I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen LD not smiling. She is caring, thoughtful and radiates joy wherever she goes. She is the kind of person who always asks how you’re doing and means it genuinely. Not to mention, she has designed some pretty amazing signs. We feel beyond lucky to have her on our team! Hear more from LD herself….
Name: Laura Dahlstrom (aka LD)
Position at OSC: Production Artist
Tell us a little bit more about what this entails? I get to set up the artwork for signage before it goes into production. Most of the time I am working with our customers by proofing their signage to find a layout/look that best fits what they need.
Where did you go to college? What was your degree in? Concordia College, class of 2013! Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design.
Where did you start your career? Right here, fresh out of school!
How long have you been with OSC? Coming up on 4 years in May
Favorite thing about your job at OSC? The people – both my team and the clientele we get to work with. It’s so fun to see a customer excited about the final product, but the process of finding that is also rewarding.
Favorite OSC tradition, event or work perk? Team outings like the Redhawks games!
Favorite thing about Fargo / Moorhead? The quaintness – there’s been so much growth yet FM has a special character and homey-ness to it that doesn’t get lost. Also there is life and activity in town but its only a short minute drive to gorgeous, wide-open prairie.
When I’m not at OSC you can find me….hanging out with friends, pondering life, singing/playing guitar, reading, serving alongside my church family at Submerge.
Favorite place to travel to? Anywhere with an ocean or a foreign language! My mom & I went to Italy a few years ago and that was fantastic 🙂
Favorite restaurant in town? Rhombus Guys or Lucy’s Chinese.
Favorite sports team? UND Hockey!
What advice would you give to younger people trying to get into your profession? Be willing to take steps that might seem “less exciting” from the outside – the design field is broad and competitive, and you really have no idea what is out there until you come across it! Production art has opened my eyes to what all is really available – I knew nothing about the signage industry, and now I’ve gained skills not just in design but in understanding fabrication/material/marketing/branding. Also I’ve learned that your willingness to grow creatively/professionally is not have to be limited to where you are working! Build relationships, be willing to do the mundane and less exciting, and don’t immediately write off the “small” opportunities that come along. You may find a whole area you didn’t know existed!
Written by: Laura Dahlstrom
Production Artist at Office Sign Company
Contact: laurad@officesigncompany.com
Follow: @LDfromOSC
