Lauren Downing
Hey, I am Lauren!
I am an illustrator and graphic designer who loves to create using mixed media and collage. I also love to push the boundaries with format and the physicality of projects. My interests include non-fiction illustration and creating educational projects aimed at younger audiences.
Hungry History is a conceptual collaboration between BBC Bitesize and National Trust, with the aim to teach children about national trust sites and historical eras without having to visit them. Thus, making National Trust places more inclusive. It contains illustrated lunchboxes based on different National Trust sites that fold out to reveal information and fun activities.
On the Brink is a conceptual exhibition that aims to teach a younger audience about the important role sharks and rays play in our oceans. The Natural History Museum and Shark Angels join forces to bring awareness to these creatures and to turn ‘fear into fascination.’ I created a pop-up exhibition guide to engage insightfully with a younger audience. The concept of pop-up confirms the idea that this exhibition should not be permeant as sharks and rays should not only exist in the past in a museum.
TactTiles
A book and sensory mat in one. This book has double sided tiles on each page that pop out and can be pieced together. One side has illustrations of vehicles with labels and tactile elements. The other side is a puzzle which can be put together to create a big town illustration. The tactile side is modular and can be placed however the child likes. The book format works by showing a vehicle and then showing it in context on the following page. The borders of each page keep the tiles protected from damage and allow for easy tidy storage.
