I am a New York City-based figure painter, illustrator, and event artist specializing in high-impact visual storytelling. My work aims to resonate emotionally with audiences while turning ideas into engaging visual narratives. Over the years, I've worked with various editorial and media outlets, including HarperCollins, Vanity Fair, and more. I focus on creative collaboration, aiming to create art that not only meets the needs of clients but also inspires and captivates viewers.…

LAURA BARAN

I am a New York City-based figure painter, illustrator, and event artist specializing in high-impact visual storytelling. My work aims to resonate emotionally with audiences while turning ideas into engaging visual narratives. Over the years, I've worked with various editorial and media outlets, including HarperCollins, Vanity Fair, and more. I focus on creative collaboration, aiming to create art that not only meets the needs of clients but also inspires and captivates viewers.…

Available to hire

I am a New York City-based figure painter, illustrator, and event artist specializing in high-impact visual storytelling. My work aims to resonate emotionally with audiences while turning ideas into engaging visual narratives.

Over the years, I’ve worked with various editorial and media outlets, including HarperCollins, Vanity Fair, and more. I focus on creative collaboration, aiming to create art that not only meets the needs of clients but also inspires and captivates viewers.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Co-Founder & Workshop Leader at Bees & Watermelon
January 1, 2024 - Present
Co-founded a NYC-based arts organization and leads workshops as part of a volunteer mutual aid collective.
Illustrator, Event Sketcher, and Live Artist at Laura Baran LLC
December 31, 2011 - Present
I create illustrations for various editorial and media, including HarperCollins, Vanity Fair, and New York Magazine. My work emphasizes storytelling and engagement, and I regularly teach workshops to aspiring artists.

Education

BFA at Fashion Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2010
at The Illustration Academy, Virginia Commonwealth University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2003
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at Fashion Institute of Technology
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010
Associate of Fine Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2003
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at Fashion Institute of Technology
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010
Associate of Fine Arts in Illustration at Virginia Commonwealth University
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2003

Qualifications

Effie Bowie Award for Excellence in Painting
November 30, 2002 - January 13, 2003
Society of Illustrators in New York awarded me the Effie Bowie Award for excellence in painting
Society of Illustrators in New York awarded me the Effie Bowie Award for excellence in painting
January 13, 2026 - January 13, 2026
Excellence in Painting Effie Award
January 1, 2020 - February 3, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other
    paper PUBLIC BANNER AND TABLETOP CAMPAIGN FOR THE MEATPACKING DISTRICT

    I was hired to create 12 original hand-painted illustrations by for Meatpacking district’s public banner and tabletop campaign. Designed to celebrate the avant-garde culture, lifestyle, and beauty of Meatpacking. my art was on public display throughout the Meatpacking district in New York, NY, from July - Dec 2024.