Meet Lauren Leonard, our newest Designer at Gatorworks — again! After first joining us as an intern, transitioning into a full-time designer, and gaining additional experience beyond our walls, Lauren has returned to the production team with even more perspective, creativity, and drive. A graduate of Louisiana State University, she’s passionate about building authentic brand identities and crafting engaging digital content that connects. We’re excited to welcome Lauren back to Gatorworks and can’t wait to see the fresh ideas and spunk she brings to the team!
Why did you choose to return to work at Gatorworks?
As corny as it sounds, I absolutely love marketing. Designing within marketing specifically is what makes me light up. Moreover, we really do have the best team in the business. Everyone brings such a wealth of knowledge to the table, and I genuinely look forward to working with everyone every single day. We are always laughing, and I have always felt so at home here. You can’t beat it.
If the Gatorworks team were a D&D party, what role would you play?
I think I would definitely be the bard of the party. I am always making sure everyone around me is having a good time, and I love to help get the team together for happy hours, game nights, or any number of activities. (Some may also call this a personality hire, but disregard that.)
If you could design a dream project with zero limitations, what would it be?
Everyone on my team knows I am a huge foodie and will jump at any opportunity to work with restaurants or food and beverage products! I think my dream would be to help design a new restaurant concept from start to finish! Logo, branding, menus, merch …my mouth is watering!
As a designer, what is your favorite color and least favorite color?
My favorite color at the moment is chartreuse, but it’s changed a few times over the years. I’ve never been a big fan of purple, but it’s been growing on me.
What’s one design trend you’re loving right now and one you’re ready to retire?
I think bolder design is coming through in a big way in 2026. Fun fonts, utilizing several colors… I love it! I am so ready to retire the rubberhose style mascot trend. They are so very cute, but they are getting too saturated! There can only be so many smiling slices of pizza holding actual slices of pizza!
Cappuccino or cold brew?
Cappuccino! Magpie’s is my favorite.
What’s your go-to creative background noise while working? Playlist, YouTube video, or podcast?
My listening routine starts with a lofi playlist, then an audiobook, and then a video essay on something nerdy at the end of the day.
If you could design a brand identity for a Renaissance festival vendor, what would it be?
I would love to design a brand identity for the guy with the pickle cart. Combining my three passions, brand identity, pickles, and the Renaissance Festival… sounds like the very best project I could imagine.
