Lauren Baker is a Kansas City–based graphic designer and junior at the Kansas City Art Institute.
Her work blends bold graphics, vibrant color, and thoughtful composition.
At the core of her practice is her philosophy: she designs elegance with an edge, creating work that is both sophisticated and unexpected.
MY APPROACH
I start with research and analog sketching, then refine ideas digitally. I focus on composition, hierarchy, and rhythm, aiming to compel viewers to pause and reflect.
I approach each project as an opportunity to inspire connection and offer new ways of seeing. Every choice is guided by my philosophy of elegance with an edge.
During a six-week summer program with SAI and Florence University of the Arts, I interned at Fashion Loves You Vintage Boutique, developing in-store displays, styled looks, and contributing to social media marketing and trend forecasting.
This experience taught me how design shapes audience perception and how to communicate persuasively across contexts. Living and studying in Florence (as well as traveling to Paris, Rome, Cinque Terre, and Barcelona) expanded my visual vocabulary and strengthened my independence.
Time in museums and galleries deepened my appreciation for craft and storytelling, while the concept of mono no aware: the awareness of fleeting beauty, resonates with how I approach design: observing closely, valuing the moment, and translating experiences into intentional, meaningful visuals.