Hi everyone! My name is Laura Dro, and I am an Artist and Textile designer. My style is creating colorful paintings and patterns that remind you of summertime and the colors of the perfect day at the beach. I license my artwork to several companies and have worked with amazing companies like HomeGoods and Nordstrom.
At the moment, my goal is to keep creating collections of my original artwork and continue honing in on my style. I am obsessed with Pineapples, Pagodas, Poolscape, and Patterns! You’ll find that my artwork is modern and eye catching, and I love using new materials to convey my message of having Summertime always!! I sell everything from original art, to illustrations and prints directly on my website. My goal down the road is to create something with fabric! Pillows or bedding or bags, I’ve been working on these patterns for over a year!
How do you take care of yourself so that you’re physically and mentally prepared to be your best self for others?
I am a yogi! I need that movement in my life. I love doing CorePower Yoga, which is traditional yoga practice combined with bursts of cardio and weights. It does the trick for me-it’s finding the time to go that can be hard. If I can’t catch a class, I will work out down in my basement. There are so many great fitness channels you can subscribe to on TV that make me feel like I have a trainer pushing me to stay healthy!! Hartley will even jump around with me and loves participating.
What’s your favorite beauty secret?
Since I was a teenager, I have been religious about washing my makeup off before bedtime. I don’t think I’ve ever gone to bed with make on. I’ve also fallen in LOVE with Rodan and Fields and it’s done wonders for the dark spots and evening my skin to look brighter! If you don’t know about R+F, quickly look it up on Facebook!
Also, 2 weeks ago I discovered Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation, from my cute mother, no less! If you have ever had airbrushed makeup, this will give you the same effect! I don’t use it everyday, just on special occasions, and I really feel like a make artist gave me that flawless look!
What’s your favorite go-to outfit for a quick polished look?
I’m a cropped jeans girl with a flowy top and heels- it’s been my look for a long time! The amount of flowy tops in my closet is becoming a problem. I just purchased some cute nude gladiator lace up heels with tassels by Jessica Simpson and they are a new favorite for summer. I like being comfortable and colorful-I will mix and match patterns and colors. Sounds a little like my artwork, haha!
What’s your favorite quick-prep dinner for your family?
Delivery.
Also, we have several restaurants blocks from our home that we can walk to. So, if it’s nice we love going walking to our “downtown” which is a quant strip of family restaurants like BBQ, Pizza, Farm to Table, Mexican and even a family café that delivers your food on a train-The Train Junction is a favorite in our house.
Tell us your favorite Instagram account to follow and why?
I have so many!! Check out @JanaBek and her brush stroked lamps and ginger jars, they really add something special to each room. I’m drooling over her navy blue ones! I also love @PaigeMinear, of The Pink Clutch. She just completed the perfect den for The One Room Challenge and every nook is perfection! Also, a girlfriend from college Bec of @Luvbec has a beautiful feed of momming, home décor, and fashion and she’s always so sweet and witty!
What tradition or routine is important to you?
My day starts early. I’m up no later than 6:15 because I love to sneak downstairs and enjoy my coffee alone and look on Pinterest or Instagram for 30 mins by myself…in the dark, sounds creepy-but it makes me so happy. A girlfriend of my suggested it to me and it has been life changing to do since having a toddler requires so much of my attention. This is a way just to have a little “me” time and start my mind right for the day!
What’s in your purse?
It’s a random mix of R+F sunscreen, lip glosses, snacks, my giant wallet, a few small toys, receipts, diapers, and kid friendly hand sanitizer. This area of my life could use some organization-it’s more of purse/diaper bag at this point. It’s a chore to keep it clean!
Where do you find your inspiration?
As an artist, this is always a fun question to answer. For me being in a happy and energetic mind set, I can accomplish anything! I have a constant flow of ideas, but it’s more bringing them to completion and making those ideas the best. I always want my style to be original and modern as well. I love knowing what is trending in the home décor area and Pineapples have been a constant favorite!
Also, I am an avid sketchbooker! I never really share those pages because they are personal and my secret diaries of ideas. I will sketch things over and over until I can do it with my eyes closed! I love painting with out any nerves that I will mess up and just letting the inspiration of my happy mood flow through the canvas! Sounds so easy…but eating healthy, working out, removing myself from my work, doing things with friends and family all contribute to creating an inspiring lifestyle.
We know you’re a busy lady! How do you balance all of your work responsibilities with your home life? Any tips for our readers?
I would say things in my house are NOT always balanced, and I’m ok with that! In the words of Hartley’s favorite song…I have learned to “Let it GO, Let it Go!” There is always dishes, laundry, cooking, errands, organizing, emails and then just spending time with each other. I realized that stuff can wait-like the giant pile of clothes to be folded on the guest bed (aka laundry folding room) because I need time to unwind and kick back at the end of the day. Sometimes just letting it all go at the end of the day gives me the energy to tackle everything the next day!
What’s your favorite app (or other tool) for helping you do life?
Venmo is amazing! I never have cash, and it’s wonderful because even babysitters are accepting payment through Venmo these days! It’s an easy way to send money back a forth with out a percentage being taken.
Follow along with Laura:
Website: www.lauradrodesigns.com
Instagram: @lauradrodesigns
Pinterest: @lauradro
Facebook: Laura Dro Designs
