Laurence Poulin: The Joy of Artistic Engineering
Graphic Designer
by Elizabeth Lavis
|20 Nov 2024
Laurence Poulin is a Graphic Designer, Art Director, and Explorer of Visual Experience whose personal philosophy is that you can create your own joy. “If you want more happiness in your life, make some! Find what brings you joy, from the most meaningful to the smallest thing, and do it. Sometimes, it’s baking a little treat; sometimes, it’s going on a trip. Nothing is too small, and nothing is too big,” she says.
Poulin knows about creating her happiness and forging her own path, seeing graphic design as the local fusion between her desire for a creative career and her deeply rational and science-oriented personality. “When I learned about graphic design, it felt like the stars aligned,” Poulin says. “Graphic design was the perfect balance of organized creativity that I needed. I often describe it as artistic engineering because we don’t simply make aesthetically pleasing visuals. The most important aspect is problem-solving and efficiency.”
Looking back to her childhood, Poulin recognizes several signs that indicated an early love for design. “I’ve come to realize that I’ve been a designer my whole life,” she says. “I started laying homework for my teacher on the classroom computer when I was eleven years old. I was making really detailed drawings at five. There are so many little things like that. Looking back on it, my career seems to have been fated.”
As a designer, Poulin understands the importance of creating trust and rapport with her clients. “I find that showing genuine interest in the client’s project makes them feel appreciated and cared for,” she says. “I try to be patient and open to their ideas and make their vision a reality as efficiently as possible.” Poulin also notes that trust is slow to build and easy to lose, which is why it’s so vital to show clients that you genuinely understand their needs and offer measurable results to cement the relationship.
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This measured approach comes in handy if the client’s vision isn’t going to be feasible or functional. “Most clients will agree with the facts and principles of design,” Poulin says. “That being said, some clients are very attached to their ideas, especially when they have an emotional connection to the project. It’s important to learn to compromise.”
Poulin also advises aspiring designers to let their voices and processes shine through. “Your portfolio should reflect you and the way you work,” she says. “People don’t want to work with designs; they want to work with designers. Show who you are and how you work.”
She also suggests that new designers allow themselves a learning curve to find their footing and voice. “Give yourself some time. You will not know everything right away or even where to look for the answers. Find platforms with fonts and assets, follow Instagram accounts, and subscribe to newsletters. Get as much information in your daily life as you can,” she says. According to Poulin, it’s also important to lean on and derive advice and inspiration from more seasoned designers. “Never be afraid to be the least talented person in the room,” she says. “We are a community, and sharing knowledge is how we grow.”
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