Lauren Asta shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Lauren, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I absolutely LOVE the first 90 minutes of my day. I get excited to go to bed so I can wake up and start my day. I 100% start with my coffee ritual around 6am. I have always been an early bird… sometimes I even get up earlier than 6am. Something about the quiet of the morning while I listen to the coffee maker just sets the tone and focus for the day. Then, I try to not look at any social media or screens for the next hour and a half. Instead, my favorite thing to do is to be silent and read, drink my coffee and watch it get lighter outside while the streets get busier with people starting their day. I have been on BIG Stephen King kick this year. Right now I am reading Pet Sematary to kick off spooky season. Reading for an hour or two in the morning makes me feel like I am feeding my brain. It also helps set the productive tone and my focus for the rest of the day!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Lauren Asta is a muralist and visual artist whose work has gained widespread recognition across cities such as San Francisco, Chicago, New York City and beyond. Specializing in illustration, doodle art, street art, and large-scale murals, Asta’s vibrant and dynamic style brings a sense of playfulness and energy to public places. Her practice is deeply rooted in the process of creating art that not only transforms environments but also fosters connection and community engagement. Passionate about the power of public art to inspire and unite, Asta is committed to leaving a positive and lasting impact through her work, using creativity as a tool to build stronger, more dynamic communities.
Dynamic and creative arts professional with over 15 years of experience in public art, community engagement, and program development. Passionate about curating inclusive, thought-provoking public programs that bridge contemporary art with community histories and experiences.
The manner in which we receive and process information profoundly influences our responses to public messages. Through my work, I aim to present information—whether lighthearted or weighty—in a compelling and dynamic way. Public art provides a unique opportunity to engage and captivate an audience, inviting them to connect with my creations. With a cast of characters that embody humor and wit, I hope to spark reflection and inspire joy by offering a playful commentary on the human experience.
Right now, exterior mural season is winding down, so I am focusing on commissions and studio work!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
This is an easy question to answer. Thankfully it was my Mom! She saw and acknowledged my creativity and artistic passion very early on. I can’t tell you how many photos there are of me as a kiddo with numerous art supplies, easels, painted hands and clothes, art projects and more. She has nurtured and fostered my passion for art for my entire life. I can’t tell you how lucky I feel to have had a someone like my Mother be my number one fan and cheerleader… especially when it cam e to choosing a career in the Arts! Having her believe in me for all those early years definitely help me become who I am today.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
For a long time, I thought failing was the worst thing that could happen… especially as an artist. I remember my first big failure in public art and murals; I was devastated and ready to give up, and it was only my second or third attempt. Thankfully, some peers reminded me that failure is actually a gift. It forces you to step back, look at what went wrong, listen to feedback, and come back stronger. Once I embraced that, I realized failure wasn’t the end of something, it was the beginning of growth. If you never truly fail, you also never truly succeed, because you’re not pushing yourself past your comfort zone.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I do believe the public version of me is very real. I am very conscious of not using “filters” on myself or “doctoring” up my studio/work to make it “look better”. My favorite profiles I follow on social media are extremely raw and simple and honest. I find I respond best to the honest portrayal of artists, so I love doing the same. That way, there ares no surprises or explanations needed to be given to clients or the public when they meet me in person. Life is much easier this way! Honesty will always prevail!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would immediately sell everything I owned, I would stop renting an apartment, I would renew my passport and travel the world for the next 10 years trying to make art everywhere I went. Easy answer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laurenasta.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_asta/
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