Professor of Design
Design education is imperative for the continual growth of the field. Along with running Studio Brazen, Lauren has the pleasure of teaching graphic design at Northeastern Illinois University since 2019. She teaches courses in foundations, typography, web design, exhibition design, and design in nature.
Student Experience
Engaging Learning Environment
“Lauren is an incredible instructor. She is passionate about typography, which is evident in how she teaches. I was not interested in typography at all (after previously taking it at another school), but Lauren made this a very interesting subject for me. I appreciated her critiques, feedback, and overall demeanor in class.” (Typography I)
“Lauren is awesome. The idea of having us vote on our favorite projects was brilliant! So much fun, encouraging, and motivating.” (Interactive Arts: Web I)
Care for Students
“The professor was always available for us students when we needed questions and happy to help. Was very passionate about the subject and was always giving us the tools and resources needed to pass that class. She was very understanding when personal issues and emergencies pop up and would give us time to catch up and refresh on me when I needed to catch up with the class. Very understanding and helpful and overall amazing professor.” (Print Production)
“Professor Meranda gave me excellent advice on self-improvement and developing a proper work ethic despite underwhelming results.” (Graphic Design I)
“She will level with you on life and does actually want to know how you are doing…I asked for help when I needed it and she was there to help out even if it was help for printing for another class.” (Contemporary Design)
Academic Rigor
“This course. Was the most challenging but I appreciate my professors patience and understanding by trying to help the best she could and providing materials for me to finish projects the best I could.” (Interactive Arts: Web I)
“I found this class difficult, but in a good way. It got me to be creative yet smart. I especially love the amount of freedom we had in this class especially towards projects. Also it taught me some cool tricks in coding. (html, css, js)” (Interactive Arts: Web I)
“The class was incredibly fun even though it was challenging at times. She also helped to bring out my creativity that was dormant for so long and be able to express myself more effectively. She always had a way to explain anything in a different manner in order for everyone to understand. Any doubts or struggle that I had she would work with me to flush out my ideas, provide constructive criticism and even find a way to motivate and inspire me to continue. I couldn’t have learned to become a better artist without her.” (Graphic Design I)