Want to know what's deep in my soul? I'm convinced it's filled with blooming botanical flowers and curvy script lettering — because that's what comes out of my hand when I go to make stuff.
My favorite thing in life is connecting with cool humans, so I'm glad you stopped on by!
I am Lauren "Ren" Beck, of Ren & Ink LLC, a Lettering Artist and Illustrator proudly living and working in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
While I enjoy drawing and painting with traditional materials (ink and calligraphy was where I began my journey), I'm often working digitally with the iPad and Apple Pencil to craft designs that express my vibrant, celebratory vision on life!
With a variety of mediums in my toolbelt, I strive to create a body of licensing work that celebrates bold motifs with dynamic curves. Detailed lines and sleek script lettering strokes add movement throughout my compositions. Often my subjects include florals and nature, which is highlighted in one of my favorite client projects, 40-page coloring book collaboration with Crayola.
I'm energized by working directly in my community — Lehigh Valley, PA and beyond — and I've collaborated with many incredible small businesses! From chalk and painted signage to interior wall murals — there's nothing like bringing together a space with art.
With a background and degree in Art Education, I regularly teach in-person workshops, after school programs, and summer camps. I find that my heart is full when I can bring art subjects and mediums that I love to the classroom, making real human connection when we learn from each other. Some of my proudest moments have been teaching all different ages and abilities!
At home, I'm a happy Momma and Wife, making sure to enjoy life with frequent dance parties and the occasional cocktail.
With my degree in art education, I couldn't ignore my true love for teaching others. It excites me to share my knowledge with students of all ages.
I've recently closed Engraved by Ren, but I'm working behind-the-scenes on new products!
I love a good curvy letterform paired with bold florals! I'm consistently challenging myself as an artist to create original artwork for licensing.
Currently available online and in-stores at Walgreens, the illustrated Crayola adult coloring book is simply called “Florals.” It features 40 pages of hand-drawn blooms, inspired by antique botanical drawings, vintage wallpaper floral patterns, and — believe it or not — black line tattoo art!
Brave Kids Art Club is an amazing resource for creative kids who want to learn how to draw from professional illustrators! I was honored to be one of BKAC's guest teaching artists on one of their virtual field trips, showing how to construct the complicated petals and details of a tropical hibiscus flower. By breaking down the steps for kids to follow along, my goal was to help build confidence in the young artists who enjoy my YouTube lesson. It was fun collaborating with such a great organization with a mission that aligns with my own!
Inspired by the activists and demonstrations depicted in the photographs from the exhibition "Doing Democracy: Photography from the George Stephanopoulos Collection", participants learned how to create their own activism poster using simple materials from home. With guided instruction, families explore how to draw eye-catching lettering to craft the most impactful messages. Our handmade protest posters boldly define the issues that are important to us, allowing everyone to learn the skills to be an activist at any age!
I was welcomed to teach a short lesson on this inspirational series of interviews and lessons, formulated specifically for small business owners, mothers, and creatives. It was a joy to connect during the pandemic shutdown of 2020, as I shared techniques on crafting visually beautiful and meaningful hand lettered pieces for family, friends and yourself.