Takeover Tuesday with Lo Harris
Q&A with Lauren (Lo) Harris, an NYC-based Digital Artist who specializes in illustration and motion design.
Q&A with Lo Harris
Read time: 5min
Madison Caprara:
How’re you doing, Lo? Why don’t you give us a little introduction to yourself and your work?
Lo Harris:
I’m Lo Harris, a Brooklyn-based Digital Artist who specializes in illustration and motion design. I’ve created graphics and illustrations for a variety of brands within the intersections of lifestyle, fashion, technology, and social justice. I utilize bright palettes, strong figures, and relational compositions to create work that champions vibrance, confidence, humanity, and joy.
Madison Caprara:
How did you find yourself where you are today?
Lo Harris:
I always drew as a kid, but I created my art account on Instagram at the end of 2019 in an attempt to finally define and explore my artistic style. When I made the account I used my childhood nickname, “Lo,” because I didn’t want my acquaintances to stumble upon my practice while I was still trying to figure my style out. But by the summer of 2020, my work picked up some traction and I began freelancing until I eventually felt comfortable taking the leap! To this day I’m still figuring my style out!
Madison Caprara:
You specialize in both illustration and animation, which do you find yourself gravitating more towards?
Lo Harris:
At the moment I gravitate more towards illustration. My animation background is deeply rooted in graphics for journalism (breaking news, infographics, etc.) While I still love animation, I think my past experience of needing to rush projects to meet daily news deadlines is something I’m still bouncing back from. One of my biggest professional goals is to start rethinking how I’d like to apply animation to my personal work. I’d like to challenge myself with doing more interesting things animation-wise, even if it’s harder or riskier. It’s time to capitalize on the newfound flexibility I have as a freelancer!
Madison Caprara:
Let’s talk a bit about your background in journalism. It’s where you began your career, correct? At what point did you pivot towards the creative industry? Why?
Lo Harris:
I graduated from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism in 2018. Throughout my time there, I taught myself After Effects. In those days I was deeply inspired by Vox explainer videos and wanted to learn how they brought complex ideas to life through motion design. While there wasn't much institutional guidance from my school when it came to motion design, I was lucky enough to get internships at publications like The New York Times where I could fill in the blanks and learn from fabulous animators and art directors on the job. It was from that point that I was officially teetering on the intersection of news and creative. I continued to take motion design jobs in the news industry from then on out.
Madison Caprara:
And when did you go from working full time to freelance? Was there anything in particular that prompted you to make that decision?
Lo Harris:
I officially left NBC News in January 2021 to focus on my freelance career. It was a very scary decision, I was 24 and had never quit a job before. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have even thought to take the leap if my illustration work had not been gaining traction online and in the news. Beyond that, the summer of 2020 and all of the protests definitely had me questioning my presence in the newsroom as a black woman.
I had to start asking myself some serious questions: “Was my voice and experience being respected? Could I be making a difference in a way that didn’t jeopardize my mental health? How did I know that people would still like my work, even after the protests?” I’ve met some amazing people in the newsroom and I will forever celebrate my colleagues who were in the trenches with me tossing keyframes. But the conditions were practically perfect for me to take a big risk and actually invest in myself. I’m so glad I didn’t play it safe.
Madison Caprara:
What’s that quote? “The cost of playing it safe could far exceed the cost of daring to change?” Something like that. Definitely something that is easier said than done, so mad props to you for taking that leap.
Now, let’s take a look at your creative process. When a client initially commissions a project from you, what’s the first thing that you do?
Lo Harris:
Typically in early correspondence, I’ll ask the client for the administrative logistics: A brief of deliverables, licensing details, timeline, dimensions, brand-specific references if applicable, and budget. Clients aren't often forthcoming with their budget expectations, but I like to ask anyway. If this information is given to me through a call, I’ll take notes but still ask them for an email with the details in writing. I also don't start working until a contract is signed. After that, I’ll follow up with sketches, color palettes, and up to two revisions.
Madison Caprara:
Who has been your favorite client or project to date?
Lo Harris:
I had a lot of fun with Bombay Sapphire and the Other Art Fair. It was a very comprehensive collaboration that featured many moving parts including a virtual exhibition. It was also my first time drawing stills and passing them on to another animator, her name is Sam Corey. It was great seeing her interpretation of the style frames I drew because I feel like every animator would intuit a style frame differently.
Madison Caprara:
I love your gif work. You’re pretty much a Giphy rockstar, tell us more about that!
Lo Harris:
An accidental* Giphy rockstar! The team at Giphy Arts is awesome and they are one of my favorite clients because of the variety and freedom their projects afford. My first gifs were commissioned by Giphy for the presidential election. I find that they’re a great platform for dishing out simple, poppy animations and messages.
Madison Caprara:
You seem to be very passionate about fostering artistic opportunities and professional advancement for other artists, that’s amazing! Tell us a bit about that.
Lo Harris:
One thing about me is that I will share! I’m very passionate about speaking and sharing with other artists, especially as it pertains to the business side of things and advocating for your worth.
So many amazing creatives get taken advantage of because they are so focused on the art. It’s important for artists, even if they have agents, to watch their money, read their contracts, watch their practice, and stand up for their own best interest. Even if it means you have to confront an agent, manager, or even a client. I have a YouTube channel and a TikTok (@loharris_art) pretty much dedicated to sharing information and uplifting artists.
Madison Caprara:
Where did that passion originate?
Lo Harris:
I got tired of feeling like I always had to prove myself to people or “pay my dues.” Don’t get me wrong, if you're inexperienced and want to break into an industry, the best thing you can do is approach a job with a can-do attitude and acquaint yourself with even the most mundane parts of the job. But after a while, you have to really take inventory and give yourself permission to have boundaries. Hold yourself, your skills, and your time with esteem.
Earlier in my career, I developed a say-yes-to-everything mentality that sometimes shuttled me into situations that were crazy stories for a dinner party, at best, or utterly dehumanizing and possibly a labor lawsuit, at worst. I feel lucky that I’ve learned how to balance working hard and doing good work with respecting myself and my work. I’m excited to continue empowering other creatives to do the same!
Madison Caprara:
If you could lend one piece of advice to someone just starting out within the creative field, what would it be?
Lo Harris:
Please keep creating, even when you feel like your work looks bad. It’s a part of the process. Just keep going and I promise, it will all make sense!
Madison Caprara:
Where do you find yourself consistently going for inspiration?
Lo Harris:
I used to have pinboards and whatnot. Nowadays, I may be walking around town and see a crazy color or a tree that makes me happy and I’ll draw from that essence. Alternatively, I’m very self-reflective and sensitive. I often like to illustrate inspirational sentiments I’m working through in order to make myself feel better.
Madison Caprara:
Well, unfortunately, we’re reaching the end, Lo. It was really great getting to know more about you. Do you have any closing points, advice, or statements you’d like to share?
Lo Harris:
Be the first to bet on yourself, always!
Routes to Raleigh: Dashing from the East
Woah! Another hypothetical road trip itinerary for our East Coast Dash Bash attendees. Find part one here, with part three to follow shortly!
Road Trip Itinerary. NYC to Raleigh, NC.
Read time: 5min
(1) Starting Point: New York, New York
Lower Manhattan - Chinatown. Getty, https://bit.ly/nycstockphoto.
To Do: Sleep No More, an award-winning, interactive theatrical experience. Follow a film-noir portrayal of Macbeth through a five-story 1930s hotel located in the Chelsea neighborhood.
To Eat: Juliana's, a neighborhood pizzeria serving new york-style pies. Pro-tip: if wandering over from Manhatten, take a stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge, as the restaurant is located just under it.
To Drink: Attaboy, a cocktail bar hidden in plain sight on an obscure bit of Eldridge Street. If you enjoy more of an intimate speakeasy vibe, this spot’s for you.
(2) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
To Stay: Lokal Hotel - Fishtown, a modern apartment-hotel in one of Philly’s hottest neighborhoods. Fishtown is home to some of the city’s most trendy restaurants, bars, shops, and cafes.
To Do: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a non-profit organization and gallery space on South Street. It is the largest work created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar to date. Covering an indoor and outdoor space equivalent to half a city block, the tiled passages weave over and underground.
To Eat: Reading Terminal Market, a huge indoor marketplace featuring some of Philly’s best local eateries. Comprised of dozens of stalls with a variety of food—homemade ice cream, donuts, cheesesteaks, whoopee pies, you name it.
To Drink: Elixr Coffee, a cafe on a small side street in the heart of Center City. The walls are covered in vibrant murals that change every few months. Elixr is known for its light roast, so if you like it dark, head elsewhere.
(3) Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore Inner Harbor Skyline. Getty, 3 Dec 2019, https://bit.ly/baltimorestockphoto.
To Stay: The Admiral Fell Inn, a historical inn in Fell’s Point made up of seven historic structures. The buildings’ past lives have included a rooming house for sailors during Fell’s Point’s rough-and-tumble days, a YMCA, and a bottling factory.
To Do: The Edgar Allan Poe House, for all of our spooky story fans. Check out where Poe launched his renowned career. Note that the house is small with tight winding staircases, so is unfortunately not 100% accessible.
To Eat: Woodbury Kitchen, a farm-to-table favorite that's well worth visiting for the restored space alone. Think old factory turned hip, rustic-chic.
To Drink: The Bluebird Cocktail Room, named one of “The South’s Best New Bars,” this literary-themed bar in Hampden features cocktails named after famous authors.
(4) Washington, D.C.
To Stay: Hotel Hive, DC's first micro-hotel. Located across the street from the George Washington University campus, Hive is a converted warehouse turned hotel space.
To Do: The Tidal Basin Loop, an easy 2.1-mile loop surrounded by cherry trees. The loop will take you past many monuments, including the Japanese Pagoda, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument.
To Eat: Paying homage to French cafe culture, Le Diplomate is seriously boujee, and worth every penny. We will forever recommend their brunch.
To Drink: Located two blocks from the waterfront, Bluejacket is a microbrewery serving craft beers in a century-old former factory.
(5) Richmond, Virginia
Autumn on Monument. Getty, https://bit.ly/richmondstockphoto.
To Stay: Quirk Hotel Richmond, located in Downtown Richmond’s art and design district, Quirk is a boutique hotel located just two miles from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
To Do: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the U.S. with more than 5,000 years of art from around the world.
To Eat: Rappahannock, an Industrial seafood spot nestled in the historic Grace St. corridor of downtown Richmond with offerings of an oyster bar, craft cocktails, and beer in airy digs.
To Drink: Charm School Social Club, a dual coffee and ice cream spot. ‘Nuff said.
Welcome to Raleigh, East Coasters!
