Meet Laura Mishkin | Illustrator & Architect

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Mishkin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I began illustrating as an activity to pass the time commuting to work (when I’m not illustrating, I’m working at Loescher Meachem Architects in downtown LA), but it’s grown from a hobby to a small business. Even so, I hesitate to call it work – it’s still enjoyable.

My life easily bleeds into my work as an illustrator, and inspiration is never far when I’m able to find humor in my everyday life. I like to draw on interactions I find confusing, upsetting, or absurd – this means a lot of my work doubles as a visual diary. I’ve had challenges navigating how much of my personal life I can and should share through my art, but I’ve found that vulnerability resonates.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started cartooning while commuting downtown on the subway. Without cell service in the tunnels I was encouraged to be more aware of my environment, and I began drawing my feelings and observations. I like that my cartooning gives me a different lens through which I can filter my feelings. The times I’m frustrated, giddy, or over-caffeinated make for the best artwork. This is why I don’t think my art is set apart from others – my thoughts and feelings aren’t unique to me, but rather common and human. My only asset is that I can try to capture them with a pen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite activity to do with a close friend is to tour open houses. When I was a kid and first interested in architecture, my mom and I would spend our Sundays cruising around looking for a good open house to pop into. I like the whole ordeal: getting to leisurely drive around a neighborhood, taking in the other gems; getting to fantasize about an alternate universe of living there. It’s a fun – and free – escape from reality. If it’s not a Sunday, I’d suggest an art museum. I like watching the visitors as much as I like interacting with the art.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The cartoonists I’ve met through Instagram have been a great resource – I’ve found everyone is willing to offer advice, feedback, and words of encouragement.

Website: lauramishkin.com

Instagram: lauramishkin

Linkedin: Laura Mishkin