Happy Hustler Lauren Ramer

 

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU.

I am graduate of Moore College Design and a Motion Graphics Designer at Aardvark Video Works. I live in a cute, tiny house in Glendora, NJ with the love of my life and my dog Smooch.


TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR HUSTLE AND YOUR HAPPINESS JOURNEY.

I remember telling myself exactly a year ago (during senior thesis, four part-time jobs, and endless college stress) that it would all get easier and work itself out eventually. And believe it or not, IT DID!

A year later and officially a college graduate, everything started to fall into place. Before graduation, I was a full-time student working four part-time jobs. I was a painting instructor, a wedding videographer, an art department assistant at a stationery company, and a graphic artist at PHL17. I was CONSTANTLY busy... but I knew that it would eventually help me towards my career. One motto that I always tell myself is "jump on EVERY opportunity" because you never know where it could take you. So anyways, after being so unbelievably busy, before I knew it I was sitting at graduation and college was over. Even though it was a bit scary not knowing what was to come, I knew that if I kept pushing and trying to find opportunity ... eventually, I would start my career.

A few months went by and I was still working my four jobs until I soon found myself at in interview for a Motion Graphics interview. Before I knew it, I had my first full-time job - and I was so incredibly excited. Not only did all that hard work pay off, but it landed me at an absolutely amazing company. I am now a Motion Graphics Designer at Aardvark Video Works where I combine my knowledge of animation, videography, editing, graphic design, and more to produce commercials and animations. I've gotten to work on some incredible projects ranging from Toyota and Fiat spots, to local bakery commercials, to corporate web videos.  And strangely enough, all those part time jobs I worked gave me the crucial knowledge I needed, that I use at my job now. I wouldn't be where I am if I didn't take the initiative in college to pursue numerous internships, jobs, and opportunities. 

 

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WHAT DO YOU DO TO DE-STRESS AFTER OR DURING A LONG, STRESSFUL DAY?

After a long day, I like to simply come home, cook dinner, and snuggle on the couch with my dog and watch movies. Or if I really need an escape, I will get lost in some knitting. 

 

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR INSPIRATION?

I find inspiration absolutely everywhere.. but it usually consists of movies. If I need inspiration, I'll put on a weird independent film or throw on one of my favorites like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. 

 

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING OR LISTENING TO (PODCASTS, BOOKS, BLOGS, ETC.)?

Recently, the only time I listen to music is on my 1.5 hour commute to work each way. At that time I just listen to the same few artists that get me through my day. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Die Antwoord, Miley Cyrus, and more. As for reading, since JK Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" came out ... and the hype over the new "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" film, I've been re-reading the Harry Potter series getting all excited! 


WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING THEIR HAPPY HUSTLE JOURNEY?

I said this already but it's so important! *Jump on EVERY opportunity - you never know where it's going to take you. 

I would never be where I am now if I didn't hop on every opportunity I came across. Not all opportunities are the most alluring or fun... but it can always lead to something more. Even if something presents itself to you that you are unsure of... TRY IT... the worst thing that happens is that you learn from it. 

 

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE QUOTES OR WORDS TO LIVE BY?

"Divide and Conquer" - Words that my mom alway said to me when I got stressed. Divide up your workload and conquer what you can. Take it step by step and before you know it, you will have conquered. This phrase basically got me through college. 

 

IN ONE WORD, SUM UP YOUR LIFE AS A HAPPY HUSTLER.

Delightful

 

 

WHAT ARE THE THREE CORE VALUES OF YOUR HUSTLE AND HOW DO THOSE VALUES RELATE TO YOUR HAPPINESS?

Three core values I stand by are:

1. Determination

2. Enjoyment

3. Prioritization

These three things are very valuable to me in life. I find that a proper balance of determination and enjoyment will lead to a happy and successful life. You need to have goals, and you need to pursue them... but you also want to make sure that you are enjoying yourself and life. Even if you are the most determined person in the world, if you are not enjoying yourself, it's not worth it. That brings me to my next value: prioritize. Having a full-time job, a house, a family, hobbies, and whatever else you can throw into that mix... can make you feel like you don't have time to do anything anymore. But you need to get your priorities situated so they fit into your balance of determination and enjoyment. Balance it out so you are spending some of your day working towards your goals, and other times doing things you enjoy.. this will lead to feeling accomplished and happy in all areas of your life. 

 

CONNECT WITH LAUREN

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