To Lauren Miller, design is a deeply intentional and human-centered practice.
Lauren has always been drawn to creative pursuits, from crafting music to exploring the art of storytelling. As an alumna of the Media Arts, Design, and Technology (MADTech) program, Lauren’s passion for empathy-driven design and storytelling has guided her work, culminating in her award-winning animated short “Touch,” which was recognized as “Best of the Fest” at Queer Expression Film Festival and “Official Selection” at Awareness Film Festival.
“I see design as crafting narratives that connect with people on a shared human experience,” she shares. As a queer woman, Lauren is especially driven to create stories that amplify underrepresented voices and reflect lived experiences not often seen in mainstream media.
“I want to create the kind of work I wish I’d seen when I was younger,” she says. Lauren credits her time at the College of Design with shaping her as both a designer and a person. The collaborative studio environment, supportive faculty, and diverse perspectives helped her discover and express her unique vision. “College is such a pivotal time for discovering who you are, and that was reflected in my design practice. It was all so intertwined,” she recalls.
Now, as she balances running a small business in Raleigh and continuing her work in animation and illustration, Lauren’s goal is simple yet profound: to bring joy and uplift people through her art. Whether it’s connecting with local communities or crafting animations that resonate on a global scale, Lauren’s work embodies the power of storytelling to inspire and connect.
Her advice to future designers? “Make each project your own—not just to solve the problem or get the grade, but to align with your goals and passion. That’s where the real growth happens.”
