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by Rohini Grace
Last Holiday season, while pursuing the endless rows at Costco, you may have come upon a pyramid of attractive and original scrapbooking kits. If you happened to pick one up and look at who produced it, you would have seen that it was a product of Maharishi School ‘94 alum, Laura Guthrie, proud owner and president of Magpie Graphics.
Now, far from the cornfields of Iowa, I talk to Laura in her office overlooking the glowing stretch of ocean in Laguna Beach, California. Laura has always been trendy and fashionable, but living in Laguna Beach has opened up a world of creative possibilities. Following is my interview with Laura (below with daughter, Emily), about her life as a successful graphic designer and business owner.
R.G: You graduated from Maharishi School as salutatorian in 1994 and went on to graduate valedictorian at MUM with a BFA in photography and an MA in digital media. How did you decide to pursue graphic design as a career?
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L.G: I feel lucky to have the profession I do as a graphic designer. Exploring and creating beauty in the world around us fascinates and drives me. After being nicknamed a magpie - seeker of anything pretty and sparkly - I decided to name my business that.
R.G: You graduated from Maharishi School as salutatorian in 1994 and went on to graduate valedictorian at MUM with a BFA in photography and an MA in digital media. How did you decide to pursue graphic design as a career?
R.G: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
L.G: I look all over for inspiration. Sometimes I’ll find something in a small rural town in Mexico, or the wholesale alleys of LA. But I’ll also find things in the newest glamour magazines or TV fashion programs. I’m always looking for new, innovative pieces to add variety to projects, which can range from business logos to magazine ads to cupcake wrappers. My office is filled with a plethora of fabric and paper samples, paintings, vintage clothing, books, and many other items that make me feel creative. I’m always looking for new, innovative pieces to spark ideas and add variety to projects.
R.G: Magpie Graphics has worked on advertising campaigns for print in magazines as diverse as Alaska Airlines and MacWorld and created extensive packaging design for retail giants such as Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and BJ’S. What do you like best about your work?
L.G: Graphic design is this great job where I get to create visual solutions to diverse challenges. It allows me to take all my ideas and aesthetics and channel them into practical and commercially effective designs and products. It's really fulfilling to see something go from an idea that I cultivated on my computer screen to being produced in the tens of thousands and sold throughout the world.
R.G: How do you market your work?
L.G: My market is different for almost every project. A lot of the scrapbook sets I have designed are for Costco which likes to carry a higher end, yet still mainstream product. Other stores like Wal-Mart often want a product that will have a more homey feel. Then, in the realm of brand identity, it can be anything from an audience of Las Vegas real estate seekers to attracting people to our local Laguna batting cages.
R.G: How did your education at Maharishi School prepare you for life?
L.G: I feel really lucky to have been educated at Maharishi School. I graduated feeling like I could do anything. It's such a nourishing environment with a deep cultivation of inner creativity and confidence, along with the physics, calculus, etc. That inner knowledge and strength is such a key part of happiness in life.
R.G: You have recently started a new business, Laura Elysha Jewelry collection. What inspired you to design jewelry in addition to your graphics business?
L.G: My jewelry is an endeavor where I can work more in the direction of art, and personal creative expression…I love any type of design! Clothing, interiors, photography, jewelry, landscape, I love color, lines, pattern and the relationship between all the design elements.
R.G: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years from now?
L.G: I see myself in a similar place, but with more experience and understanding and even greater ease, happiness and success in my work and life.
R.G: Judging from your incredible creative energy and sense of beauty, we will see an even wider range of glamorous and striking items in the next few years, with your name all over them!
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