Story & Lesson Highlights with Lauren Elise Reeves of Beaufort

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lauren Elise Reeves. Check out our conversation below.

Lauren Elise, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Every fall I put together an artist booth for a handful of art festivals and Expos. I get a chance to explore my art in new ways and love creating little sculptures and greeting cards along with my paintings. Everything in the booth is squirrel themed.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a freelance illustrator keen on building relationships with my clients that are born from the creative partnership of writing, designing and illustrating. Inspired by work from Dungeons and Dragons, the story-telling of the Redwall series and a love for wildlife, my art focuses on the magic of the natural world. I work in traditional black and white media, scanning in my ink or pencil drawings and then bringing them to life with digital painting, involving the human touch into my style. I draw from realistic plant and animal references, creating new creatures and ideas based on what I find in nature. My digital coloring techniques rely on traditional medium practices, building light and shadow from traditional color palates and blending. I have an ever-growing toolset to experiment and grow with in each project.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I have always been drawn to making artwork since I can remember. I love creating fantastic scenes and imagining little creatures who live in this world. There were many afternoons I’d hike through the woods in my backyard, exploring the natural world and day dreaming of running with wolves, or chasing deer. This is where the foundation of my artwork stems from.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I find it surprising to consider, but I struggled with the fear of succeeding. What if I actually make my artwork into a real career? Will I be able to hold up to this standard long term? Thankfully, so far, people still seem to love what I do, and I thrive on people’s feedback and revisions to help me continue to grow. It took years to overcome this anxiety, but I had support in my corner to keep pushing me.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I genuinely thrive off of seeing other succeed. It’s why I have developed my business model to help self-publishers and first time authors. I feel so good seeing the true joy and happy tears my clients have experienced when their dream story has come to life through artwork and printing. Children’s books can feel like impossible projects. The behind the scenes are full of personal stories and struggles to getting the book to where it is today, and I’m thrilled to be a part of that process in making it come to life.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That’s such a deep question! I’d have to say that there is so much going on behind the artwork. I’ve been raising my son, balancing health issues, and trying to figure out the best process to making the best artwork for my clients. It’s a lifelong art, learning and relearning best practices and constantly evolving to fit the needs of my clients. I want it to feel seamless and easy for them, but there’s a lot that goes into making children’s books for my authors.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Lauren Elise Reeves

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than