Edinburgh's creative hubs with Lauren Morsley.

For Scottish artist and Illustrator Lauren Morsley , her bespoke graphics found on Eden Locke’s key cards are centred around Scotland being “a land of myths and legends”. Lauren’s design tells the tales of some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, depicting the city through some of its most famous mythical Lore.

Tell us about you.

Luckily, I grew up in a house where creativity was encouraged, celebrated and seen as a valuable pathway through life. I went on to do the foundation course at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, then specialised in Illustration.

I fell in love with printmaking whilst studying, and I found that it really helped me develop my illustrative style. After graduating in 2018, I got a part-time job and gradually started to build up my freelancing portfolio on the side. In 2019, I interned at LUSH, within their gift design team. This experience was so valuable in building my design skills and enriched my understanding of visual storytelling and how in-house design teams run.

Since then, I have been working as a freelance illustrator, muralist and printmaker. It’s been a journey full of ups and downs throughout it and a lot of hard work and long hours, but I feel I'm in a good place now.

How did the initial idea for your Key Card design come around?

I wanted to create a design that told a story whilst showing another side of Edinburgh that isn’t as well known. Scotland is a land of myths and legends, and I felt it was only fitting to look at the folklore that's tied to Edinburgh's landscapes and landmarks. For example, Arthur’s Seat, which was once an active volcano, is a prominent feature of the city scape. It's also tied to the tale of the sleeping dragon.

According to legend, there was once a dragon that tormented the city ferociously and after months of eating the livestock it went to sleep and never woke up again, becoming the hill we now know as Arthur’s Seat. I felt this was a fascinating way of depicting the city and bringing to life a mythic story.

Where do you feel most inspired in Edinburgh?

I feel inspired by a lot of Edinburgh, the winding streets and architecture, the hustle and bustle of people and the numerous art spaces across the city. However, I think I'm most inspired when I’m just sitting in one of the parks watching it all happen around me.

What’s your favourite thing about living near Edinburgh?

I love that Edinburgh has a vast array of different spaces to enjoy, like museums, parks, beaches and historical architecture. There is something for everyone and so much to see. I always look forward to a day out in the city and I feel there is something new to explore every visit.

What’s your top 5 places for creative spaces within Edinburgh?

Out of the Blueprint.

An eco print studio in Leith, Edinburgh. They specialise in Japanese printing methods called RISO and GOCCO and, as a social enterprise, they raise money through their eco printing service and reinvest all profits to support their work with young people.

Fruitmarket Gallery.

A free, public space for culture in the heart of Edinburgh. They programme, develop and present world-class exhibitions, commissions, publications, performances, events and engagement activities, opening up the artistic process.

Jupiter Artland.

Jupiter Artland is an award-winning contemporary sculpture garden located just outside Edinburgh.

Red Door Gallery on Victoria Street.

They are located on Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town and host more than 150 emerging British and Scottish fine artists and illustrators. (Including my prints!)

Eden Locke, George Street.

Move into your own space at Eden Locke, our aparthotel on George Street in Edinburgh city centre. With a grand Georgian façade, each of our 72 meticulously designed studios and suites has a kitchen and lounge area.

Head downstairs to our café for coffee and bagels and settle down to work in our bright coworking space. Or explore the city on foot with Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle and the city's best shopping and dining all on your doorstep.

Book me in.