Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Thompson
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is one of resilience, creativity, and trusting myself even when the odds were stacked against me.
After college, I found myself in a corporate cycle—overworked, underpaid, and undervalued. I knew deep down that I wanted something of my own, something that no one could take from me. While working at a local hotel, I spent hours brainstorming names for my business, and that’s when Visually Different was born—a brand that reflects both my artistic vision and my individuality.
I studied animation but realized it wasn’t my passion. Instead, I found my calling in graphic design, web design, and brand strategy, helping businesses build not just a look, but a presence that actually works. My experience as a small business consultant before the pandemic deepened my love for entrepreneurship and gave me the insight to help business owners understand branding beyond aesthetics.
But my defining moment came when I lost a new job in 2022 just three weeks in—after I had already signed a lease for my first apartment alone. With bills due and no backup plan, I had two choices: panic or pivot. I chose to bet on myself. I jumped into full-time freelancing, and while it wasn’t easy—I was severely underpaid in the beginning—I never lost my apartment, my car, or my drive.
Now, three years later, I’ve built a business that not only sustains me but also helps other entrepreneurs build their dreams. Visually Different isn’t just about design; it’s about strategy, trust, and educating clients on how to grow their brands intentionally. I’m proud of the current journey I’m on because it’s shaping me into the best creative entrepreneur. This is just the beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, my journey hasn’t been smooth—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Taking the leap into full-time freelancing wasn’t some perfectly mapped-out plan. It was a decision I had to make on the spot. That was my first real test of resilience, and I had no choice but to figure it out fast. In the beginning, I was severely underpaid. I had to learn the hard way how long I could go without paying a bill, how to negotiate, and how to value my work properly. No one hands you a blueprint for freelancing. I had to build my brand, attract clients, and manage projects—all while learning on the job. There were times I questioned if I made the right choice. The inconsistency of freelancing, the pressure of making ends meet, and the fear of failure were always in the back of my mind. At first, I took on clients and projects that drained me—just to stay afloat. Over time, I had to set boundaries, raise my prices, and align myself with work that actually fulfilled me. Through all of this, I never quit. I adapted, learned, and built something that no one could take away from me. What started as a one-woman freelancing journey has now evolved into a full-service creative agency with a team of experts. Today, Visually Different offers: Brand Strategy & Development – Helping businesses build a strong foundation beyond just visuals. Social Media Management – Creating and executing strategies that help brands grow and engage authentically. Web Design, Development & Management – Not just making websites look good, but making them functional and conversion-driven. I’ve gone from struggling to figure it all out on my own to leading a team of skilled professionals, delivering high-quality branding and digital solutions to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Was the road smooth? Not at all. But every obstacle made me sharper, stronger, and more confident in my ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Now, I get to help others build brands with intention, creativity, and strategy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear many creative hats, but at my core, I am both a graphic designer and a traditional artist—bringing brands and visuals to life in a way that is both strategic and deeply artistic. I currently work with a local corporate company, Goodwill Dallas, as a graphic designer collaborating with their marketing team on exciting projects. The work is exhilarating because it allows me to merge my creative skills with impactful branding and storytelling. Beyond digital design, I am also a traditional artist, specializing in acrylic and oil painting. Right now, I’m working on a new series while simultaneously sharpening my skills by taking another art class outside of work. My paintings are a personal, expressive extension of my creativity—an escape from structured design into pure artistic freedom. I am also the Owner and CEO of Visually Different—a creative agency which specializes in: Brand Strategy & Development, Social Media Management and Web Design, Development & Maintenance. I also work part-time as an Executive Assistant and Operations Manager at TMACK ELITE Training, a professional boxing gym in Allen, TX. What makes me different is that I bridge all of my skills together—fine art, digital design & strategy. I understand branding not just from a visual perspective but from a business and operational one. My work isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about making them work effectively. I’m most proud of how I’ve built my career from the ground up, growing from an independent freelancer to now balancing corporate contracts, fine art, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles. Every project I take on, whether for a brand or on canvas, is deeply personal—because creativity isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Stay Connected & Follow My Journey!
If you’ve connected with my story and want to see more of my work—whether it’s graphic design, branding, or fine art—I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram!
🔹 See my latest projects, behind-the-scenes content, and creative process
🔹 Get branding & marketing tips for small businesses
🔹 Watch my journey as an artist and entrepreneur unfold in real-time
Follow me on Instagram at @loloveslolita (my personal account) & @visuallydifferent.co (my business account) and let’s connect! I love engaging with other creatives, business owners, and art lovers, so don’t hesitate to reach out or say hi!
Also, if you’re a small business owner looking for brand strategy, social media management, or web design & development, my agency Visually Different is here to help. Let’s build something amazing together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.visuallydifferent.com / www.laurenashleythompson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loloveslolita/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.a.thompson.79/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-ashley-thompson/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/visuallydifferent
Image Credits
@reggiedreaming and @treylens
