A young woman with long wavy hair, glasses, and tattoos on her arms sitting on an orange vintage-style chair. She is resting her chin on her hand and smiling slightly, wearing a black top.

Hello!

I’m Lauren, maker of stuff and creator of things.

I have a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and 10 years of experience working both in-house and independently with brand and marketing teams. I’m a firm believer in the authenticity and humanity in design.

I am a jack-of-all-fiber-arts (but an expert at knitting), a facer of fears, an artist, and a live-on-stage storyteller. I haven’t met a creative pursuit I wouldn’t try at least once.

When I’m not working I’m often lost in a crafting project, a book, or spending time with my partner and our cats at our home in Aurora, Colorado.

Cyanelle (sai•an•el)

What’s in a name?

The name Cyanelle originated as a play on the scientific name for the Steller’s Jay, Cyanocitta stelleri, as well as cyan and a nickname of mine, LJ.

The Steller’s Jay is a bold, vocal bird with a distinctive black and blue crest. They hold a special place in my heart from my childhood, and I’ve always admired their general audacity. You’ll see them in forested areas in the Rockies in Colorado, at campgrounds or, in my case, my grandma’s cabin.

Cyanelle is also the very real name for a photosynthetic organelle in some algae, which is similar to chloroplasts in plants. Basically, it takes sunlight and turns it into useable energy. Design requires transforming ideas and copy and photos into a final, useable piece. It felt like a perfect metaphor.

A bird with a prominent crest perched on a tree branch, with a blurred green background.

Cyanocitta stelleri

Want to work with me? Let’s chat!