This month we are getting to know some of the wonderful folks of Meanwhile House Cardiff. In our last Say Hello feature we popped in to meet Marie of Sounds That Move. This week, we are dropping by to meet Laura, also known as Auralab.

Laura launched her illustration brand, Auralab, in 2011. After a number of years working as a graphic designer, she decided to take the plunge and become a freelance illustrator. The purpose of Laura’s work is to communicate complex ideas visually – you’ll find her working for organisations, businesses and researchers, or working in collaboration with design or innovation agencies.

As well as digital illustrations, Laura also creates live graphic recordings at events. Whether her work was made live or digitally, you’ll know it’s hers. Her style draws on comic book and cartoon influences, with the addition of an important undertone.

“Working as a live graphic recorder is like learning another language. You have to interpret the themes and translate them visually.”

Laura began working as a graphic recorder in the early days of her freelance career after a friend introduced her to the role. It soon became apparent that the nature of the work was perfectly in line with how Laura processes information – namely, picking up knowledge quickly and interpreting it in a creative manner.

“As a kid I loved so many things. Science, Psychology, New Technology, Languages – everything. But I didn’t have the right brain to go into science. Growing up I was interested in anthropology and journalism. Looking back at that now, my job makes perfect sense. I need something both scientific and artistic.”

Working on digital projects and commissions as well as graphic recordings gives Laura an ideal balance that prevents her from getting bored.

Laura recently created a piece for Who Are We?, a project on migration, identity, solidarity and citizenship in the Tate Modern. Laura collected stories of solidarity and kindness from an array of individuals. She illustrated the stories on cardboard boxes and encouraged viewers to relate to the stories and move the boxes around, reminding us that no matter who we are, we all experience empathy.

One of Laura’s favourite projects took place in 2014, and was an initiative by European Alternatives. The project was entitled Transeuropa Caravans, and involved a group of talented creatives travelling Europe in a caravan, documenting the views of local initiatives along the way. Laura illustrated, whilst others blogged, filmed and wrote. You can view the Auralab take on the project here.

Coming to Meanwhile House Cardiff has meant great things for Laura. She needed a private space where she could respect her clients’ nondisclosure agreements, as well as the option to be around other creatives to keep her spirits up. Since moving in last year, Laura has found that she’s both been able to work fewer hours and get more done.

“The best thing is the variety of people here. There’s a Pinball company across the hall. I can go downstairs and there’s someone upcycling furniture and another decorating cakes.”

If you’d like to know more about Laura and Auralab, you can check out her website here. If you’d like to keep up to date with the latest Meanwhile Creative happenings, you can give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.