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Design Director · Visual Storyteller
Award-Winning Visual Storytelling, Crafted with Purpose
Award-Winning Visual Storytelling, Crafted with Purpose
Hi, I’m Laurene Craig — a designer, creative thinker, and visual problem-solver with a passion for storytelling that makes an impact.
Hi, I’m Laurene Craig — a designer, creative thinker, and visual problem-solver with a passion for storytelling that makes an impact.
When I finished my design degree (summa cum laude) in 2021, after returning to school to pursue what I’d always been passionate about — visual storytelling and publishing — I told a professor I wanted to work in print. He told me print was dying and I should find something else to do. But I kept going.
Every day for two years, I drove past the Fauquier Times office thinking, That’s where I want to be. And now, here I am.
I lead the design department at Piedmont Media, home to the Fauquier Times and Prince William Times, where I work with a talented team to bring each edition to life through smart ad design, clean layout, and consistent visual branding across print and digital. With more than 50 Virginia Press Awards, I bring both creative direction and hands-on leadership to every project — and yes, I still believe in print.
See more below to explore my work.
See more below to explore my work.
About Laurene
About Laurene
I believe great design should be clean, intentional, and inviting — something that draws people in and inspires them to take action. Whether it’s a front page, an ad campaign, or a 16-page special section, my goal is to create visuals that communicate clearly, resonate with readers, and feel aligned with the brand behind them.
At Piedmont Media, I lead a small but mighty design team across the Fauquier Times and Prince William Times. We collaborate closely with editorial, ad sales, and circulation to ensure every part of the paper — and every product that supports it — looks sharp and runs smoothly. I thrive on organization, planning, and creative problem-solving, especially when juggling fast-moving deadlines and input from multiple departments.
With more than 50 Virginia Press Awards, I bring a balance of experience, leadership, and adaptability to every project — and I still get excited by a clean layout, a smart ad concept, or a really well-timed headline wrap.
Portfolio
Portfolio
Print Ad Design
Print Ad Design
Pagination
Pagination
Designed to celebrate the 100th running of the Virginia Gold Cup, this front page introduced a 16-page commemorative section handed out at the event. With a mix of black-and-white and color photography, it set the tone for a keepsake that honored tradition and community stories through thoughtful, photo-driven design.
See the full graduation layout — a special project featuring the Class of 2023 from all three local high schools, including my daughter’s. This double truck was both personal and challenging to create, balancing a wide range of student stories and photos from the first post-COVID graduating class
Page design is where my love for storytelling and structure meet. Want to see more? Click to browse a few of my favorite spreads
Videos
Videos
This first-place VPA-winning video was one of the most fun and collaborative projects we’ve done as a team.
Fun, fast, and community-driven promos created for award-winning local businesses.
Web & UX/UI Design
Web & UX/UI Design
Hired to refresh this bookstore’s online presence, I reimagined their layout and graphics using inspiration pulled straight from the shop — a patterned carpet, a favorite armchair, and a splash of orange from a beloved book cover.
Visual Identity & Illustration
Visual Identity & Illustration
Logos for The JAM and The LIP were designed to reflect the energy and identity of two distinct Virginia communities — and have since become part of everything from inboxes to banners.
Inspired by a real newsroom pup, the News Hound became a beloved part of our branding.
Creative Extras
Creative Extras
✨ Ready to see the magic in motion? Click the image to explore the print and online version of The Warbler.
The 2024 calendar blended powerful imagery, community ads, and essential info into a modern keepsake — earning a 1st Place award from the Virginia Press Association.
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