How Lauren Gorbould Captures the Beauty in Life

I often feel there is too much pressure at the start of a new year for us to become a ‘better’ or ‘cleaner’ version of ourselves.

In a world that is weighed down by negativity, why do our resolutions rarely focus on goals that will create joy in the little things in life?

I don’t know about you, but I want to appreciate the beauty in the everyday, say yes to more things and embrace positivity.

One way in which we can do this is by illustration. Whether you want to take a stroll to your favourite street, park or café, you can sketch the beauty of these places and capture the atmosphere and colour.

I recently spoke to local Illustrator, Lauren Gorbould, about her journey in the creative industry, her views on the use of AI to create art and how she embraces the beauty in the everyday to create her gorgeous illustrations!

When did your journey as an illustrator begin?

I’ve got a very arty family, and I had a little business I started aged 15, drawing hyper realistic dog portraits.

I learnt a lot from that, and it kept me afloat during Covid, but it was essentially just drawing photos of dogs over and over.

I studied illustration at university through Covid years and that’s where I was able to experiment with my style.

I soon realised illustration allowed a lot more freedom and ultimately I enjoyed it so much more, so I stuck with that!


What is your process for developing a new idea?

It entirely depends on what it is I’m illustrating - if it’s more casual I’ll definitely go for a wander around Norwich with my sketchbook and plonk on a bench to draw what I see. Sometimes that turns into a more refined illustration on procreate, or into a physical painting, or just sits in the sketchbook!

If it’s more for professional use, I’ll use a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and other illustrators on Instagram. It’s a lot of doodling and sketching again until I reach the final product.

Where do you look for inspiration for your illustrations?

I’m hugely inspired by my surroundings!

I’m a believer in enjoying the smallest moments of everyday and I think that influences me to look for inspiration in different ways. The paint colour of a cafe toilet, the shadow of sunlight dappled through a tree, a cute vase of flowers in someone’s window.

It’s all the little things (and Pinterest of course. It’s tailored to exactly what I like and is great for reference photos!).

How has your style changed over time?

Going from 40+ hr pencil portraits into illustration at university was a big change. I had no idea of illustrative composition or how to play with proportion and I literally didn’t know how to use colour (everything was grey).

I think my style has stayed consistent (lots of foliage, nature and wonky people) compared to the very start, but I think my work has changed with confidence. If you’re confident in what you’re drawing, I think it shows - the lines are bolder and the colours are more daring.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt as an illustrator?

Everything doesn’t have to be perfect all the time, and that you’re your own worst critic!

I suffer with imposter syndrome bad, and a lot of the time I must breathe, take a step back and remember that it’s okay if something doesn’t go right.

To me, your illustrations always convey a sense of joy and optimism. Do you think you view the world differently from others as an artist?

I think so, I really appreciate the most mundane things I don’t think many people even notice and I think that has a big impact and is reflected in my illustration.

Pretty packaging on a tomato purée tube, someone sitting by a nice tree, a big red American barn, I’ll draw it.

I have SO many photos on my phone to use as reference and drawing the most simple thing gives me the most joy.

Do you have a favourite illustration you have created?

This is so tricky!

I really enjoyed the commission I did with Yare Valley Oils. It was the first time seeing my work on shop shelves and was a big pinch me moment!

But also any sketchbook work I do I’m really drawn too, especially if I’ve drawn it on location or out and about (and even more so if there is a lovely memory attached to that!).

What is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist?

It has to be seeing how others react to my work.

I want my illustrations to convey joyfulness and ultimately, make people feel happy.

There is so much gloom in the world. If I can make one person smile and feel a certain way, that’s a win from me.

What are your views on the use of AI in the creative industry?

It’s in interesting one for sure.

I really don’t like AI in the creative field; it goes against everything I love to do.

Sure, AI can throw out an image, but what it lacks is personality, thought and passion. 90% of the time I can notice what is AI and what isn’t and it makes me wince so hard every time I see it, but it scares me at how good it is getting.

I understand commissioned illustration isn’t in everyone’s budget, but using AI is lazy and generic.

What do you like most about being part of the creative community in Norwich?

Norwich is just so great. It is the only city I’ve lived in so I don’t have much to compare too but everyone says it’s a really great scene.

We have so many monthly art markets, illustration fairs and meet-ups. Even my studio space is open plan and very social!

I feel like because there’s so much going on consistently, I’ve made so many friends I who can rely on for information, advice, or even just to go and have a little Sunday sketch together.

Have you got any plans for 2026?

I just moved to a new studio which is going to be a new boost of energy! This year, I plan to make a really small, limited edition run of prints. I already have a few stockists lined up, so watch this space!

To keep up to date with the work of Lauren, you can head to her Instagram (@laurengorbould)!