Art rooted in people, places and story.

I’m Laura Bean, an artist and illustrator based on Chicago’s North Shore. I create warm, expressive work inspired by the details that make a person, place or moment feel distinctly its own.

My background spans illustration, portraiture, storytelling and creative direction. Whether I’m creating a personal piece, developing characters or illustrating a larger idea, I’m most interested in work that feels meaningful, specific and full of life.

I’m also the author and illustrator of The Magic Flashlight, a children’s book about courage and kindness.

After years of allowing my art and design work to overlap, I created this space to focus solely on my work as an artist and illustrator. It’s a collection of personal projects, commissioned pieces and creative explorations—and a place for the kind of work I hope to make more of.

Looking for design work?

I also run Light Blue Studio, where I help small businesses and organizations bring their ideas to life through brand strategy, identity design, websites and creative communications.

Visit Light Blue Studio →