Her passion that boiled over from studying design as an art form became typography. Lorin furthered her use of type in art while working at Trader Joe’s throughout college and learned the anatomy of letters as she embellished the interior signage Trader Joe’s uses in-store. Lorin’s first commissioned job at Letterly Signs & Lettering was custom signage for her sister’s wedding. After moving to Brentwood in 2017, she went around to the downtown businesses and offered her services for free. Her fortunate meeting with Becky Bloomfield allowed her to be introduced to many more local business owners. Sticky Chicken inside the Emporium building took her up on her offer, and she created their mural inside. Soon, Lorin’s business blossomed and jobs poured in rapidly; four of the town’s utility boxes now showcase her talents. She went on to do work for Dino’s Sandwich Shop and Soleil Wood Fired Pizza. She later worked on signage for Sip and Scoop, Alluv Place, Beauty Lounge, Drenched, Mad Potters, Brass Tacks, Roadees’, Starry Nite Studios, Three Nunns Farm, and Urban Edge, all because of Becky.
“Creating a mural with a magnitude of 60 feet long was going to require much more work and resources than one would initially think.”
Creating a mural with a magnitude of 60 feet long was going to require much more work and resources than one would initially think. The DBC had only $8,400 granted to them by the city. Lorin made her case that you get what you pay for. The result was going to be a long-lasting, fantastic impression of our community shining from one of its biggest expanses–it was going to require a significant investment. Lorin’s reasonable estimate was for more than the $12,000 paid, most of which the city covered. Says Lorin, “We compromised so that the piece could be done, it was the DBC’s and my gift to the city.” The entire wall needed resurfacing before she could begin. Once it was ready, Lorin began planning.
She worked from grainy, old photos of the high school that had burned down but had stood from 1909-1929. Produce from the Farmers’ Market needed to make its way to the wall as well as hikers, California scenery, and bees in cherry blossoms. Veterans Park was a must to highlight, and beer glasses and a wine bottle with grapes added a special nod to our agricultural charms. A notable addition was the likeness of a young dancer from East County Performing Arts. An image of Gabrielle Koch will forever be poised on that wall. A part of the mural that catches the most attention is the picture-perfect wings of various species of local animals and insects that linger at the base of the wall. Locals love to place themselves between the vibrant wings and take selfies as they go about their day downtown.