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Mary Lauren Willis

Designer | Photographer | Illustrator

Based in Milan, Italy, I work as a freelance designer and creative consultant specializing in photography, illustration, content creation, and visual storytelling. My practice blends fashion, art, and culture with a focus on building visual identities and telling stories that feel bold, personal, and memorable.

 

Over time, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with emerging brands, studios, and independent projects, which has shaped my multidisciplinary approach. Inspired by visionaries like Franca Sozzani, I strive to push boundaries, craft innovative campaigns, and use design as a force for positive change.

 

My long-term vision is to move into creative direction across industries, where I can continue blending visuals, strategy, and storytelling to create work that resonates on both a cultural and human level.

self portrait [Recovered]-02_edited copy.jpg

Experience

Publications / Exhibitions

2017 – Present

Freelance Graphic Design and Illustration

June 2021 – August 2023

Marketing and Creative Lead //

Style Clan LLC and Lords of Harlech

Charlotte, NC

2022

RareBird Collection Designer // SheinX

June – August 2019

Textile Graphic Design Internship // Digital Performance Gear

Concord, NC

August 2018 – May 2019

Communication Designer // Multicultural Student Development Center

Appalachian State University

June – August 2018

Painting Instructor // Uptown Art

Greenville, SC

2018

Graphic Designer // The Appalachian 

Appalachian State University

2019 // 2020

The Peel Review 2019 & 2020 Juried Publication

Acrylic paintings

“A Walk in the Park”

"Blossom"
"The Feeling of Music II"

Boone. NC

2019

Loading BFA Graphic Design

“The 500 Page Book” 

Appalachian State University Schaefer Center Smith Gallery 

2019

Art is in the Square Juried Exhibition

Photography

Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici

Florence, Italy

2018

Appalachian State Chancellor's House Juried Exhibition

Acrylic Paintings

“Wonderland”

“Appliqué”

Appalachian State University

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