By: Catherine Daleo
Reading time: 2 minutes
Like many local artists here in Vegas, Lauren Lomprey has been kept on her toes by the pandemic as she’s shifted her focus while also finding ways to manage her mental health.
Known as The Doodling Nomad, illustrator, and local “sticker lady,” Lomprey owns a thriving sticker business with designs having themes of nature and environmental consciousness as she expresses her love for the great outdoors through her art. She also creates messages of encouragement, empowerment, and motivation, which is greatly needed now more than ever.
A frequent vendor at local events like First Friday and Market in the Alley, Lomprey was one of many artists whose businesses relied on events like those impacted by the shutdown.
“With the majority of my customers being through in-person sales, it was an abrupt end to my usual schedule of business,” said Lomprey, who has since pivoted to selling online as well as getting her stickers into local retail stores.
“This is actually something I’ve been meaning to do, so the pandemic helped me get the motivation to get it going.”
According to Lomprey, it was very rough for her at the beginning of the pandemic, with her normal day-to-day schedule being completely disrupted and that it “made the “usual” feel quite unnecessary” due to all of the uncertainty.
As a result, she took a month-and-a-half break from her business in July to focus on herself. In a message to her followers on Instagram, Lomprey said, “I will be spending the next few months continuing to absorb, but also creating without expectation. Creating for me, and only me,” explaining it was for her mental health. This was met with an abundance of support and positivity from her followers.
Lomprey reopened her store in August, fresh with new designs and ready to take on the rest of the year after a restful hiatus, and has resumed releasing new stickers every month.
“[I]t was exactly what I needed,” she said. “Gaining new motivations and inspirations for artwork along the way.”
Lomprey shared that she is running a promotion on her website right now, where she’s offering 15% off orders of three or more stickers, plus free shipping.
“Put on your cozy pajamas and head to www.thedoodlingnomad.com to see my selection of 100+ stickers!” she said.
Lomprey will also be at Market in the Alley’s mini-market on November 7th. These mini pop-up markets were started back in September, and run every Saturday from 10 AM – 1 PM in Ferguson’s courtyard.
Supporting small businesses, especially during the ongoing economic crisis, is vitally important and involves more than just shopping locally and supporting artists.
“Every like, share, and purchase makes a difference,” Lomprey said. “If you are unable to buy stickers at this time, I ask that you share a recent post and share with your friends how much you love ‘The Doodling Nomad’ stickers!”
Stickers are $4 and are made with waterproof vinyl, making them a great addition to one’s water bottle or car. They’re also great gifts to get for friends and family that are easy to send, just in time for the holidays to begin. Wholesale orders for retailers are available through HelloAbound.
Coloring book pages are also available on The Doodling Nomad website.
Lomprey concluded by saying, “We will get through this! This pandemic has been a struggle for so many individuals and businesses, but we are resilient. In time, life will thrive!”
Follow The Doodling Nomad on Instagram and Facebook for new stickers and inspirational artwork.
You can also check out the podcast I did with Lauren earlier this year, pre-pandemic to learn more about her story!
–
Resources
https://helloabound.com/thedoodlingnomad
https://thedoodlingnomad.com/pages/coloring-book
https://www.instagram.com/thedoodlingnomad/
https://www.facebook.com/thedoodlingnomad
