MIAD alum is state fair Grand Champion Fairtastic Artist

Wisconsin State Fair has named Lauren Marvell ’16 (Integrated Studio Arts) the 2025 Grand Champion Fairtastic Artist for her hand-painted poster featuring this year’s theme, “youth enjoying the state fair.”

The South Milwaukee artist has a vibrant practice – Lauren Marvell Illustrations – that includes projects for municipalities, health care systems, Marquette University, Radio Milwaukee, Titletown and Milwaukee Art Museum.

Fair officials say her poster “bursts with fun colors and spotlights the vibrancy of young people soaking in all that the Wisconsin State Fair has to offer.”

Marvell says she finds it “fun to plant people (and pets and places) I know in my drawings (with their permission!), especially family and friends. It’s a fun way to personalize the drawing experience. Plus, I love being able to point at my drawings and say, ‘Hey, look! It’s my friend!’”

“I especially love working with cities,” Marvell says of her client portfolio. “It’s always fun to learn more about a place, especially if they’re close to home. I’ve gotten to learn about so many awesome local businesses, parks, public art spaces and more through the research I do before I start sketching.

“My favorite project was definitely the Oak Creek Trailer. It was amazing getting to draw something on my tiny iPad, then getting to see it on such a large scale. Plus, seeing it around town is always a special treat!”

“Connections are everything,” advises Marvell. “So much work is generated through social media, vending at shows, word of mouth and by people seeing the projects I post/share/sell. Staying active and making work is also important. Even if I’m not in the middle of a big commission, I’ll always find a way to make something that I’m excited about.

“A silly series I’ve been working on with my mom and dad is called ‘Groovin’ in the Garden’. They’re puns about the music we listen to and gardens we grow! Like Dolly Parsnip, Frank Cilantro, Ozzy Cob-Corn … all illustrated in a groovy-colorful format…. I’ve also been working on some fun stuff for local libraries and schools!”

Does Marvell feel unique as an illustrator with a fine art background? “I took an Illustration course my senior year and LOVED it…” she says, “but in the end I really value the advice and guidance given to me by my teachers. I feel it helps me approach illustration from a different angle.”

Commemorative posters and other items featuring Marvell’s artwork will be available for purchase at the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair. Proceeds support the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation.

Learn more about MIAD’s fine art major, Fine Art + New Studio Practice, and Illustration major.