Some places stay with an artist and quietly shape everything they make. For Laura (Thomsen) West, the Pacific Northwest is woven into everything she creates.
Based in Bellingham, Washington, Laura is a Filipino-American designer and illustrator whose work captures the quiet beauty of the landscapes around her. Her clean, modern style is brought to life through dreamy gradients, calming color palettes, and scenes inspired by the region she calls home. Sunset mountains, blooming lupines, and towering ponderosa pines have become signature elements throughout her work, inviting others to slow down and appreciate the beauty found in everyday moments.
With a background in graphic design and a growing passion for murals, Laura's creative practice continues to evolve while staying grounded in curiosity, community, and the outdoors. Every piece she creates reflects her appreciation for thoughtful design and the places that inspire it.
To learn more about Laura's creative journey, we asked her a few questions.
1. What has driven you to be an artist?
My mom studied graphic design and photography and worked as a designer for a long time, growing up she always gave my brother and I sketchbooks and art supplies, especially on road trips. She always encouraged us to be creative. I actually ended up going to the same college as her and graduating from the same graphic design program that she did.
2. What is your favorite medium to work with?
Most of my work is done digitally, coming from a graphic design background, I appreciate the freedom that digital art allows you to have. I can work from anywhere, but don’t get me wrong, good old pen and paper is great too, and mixing mediums is the best. I also have started doing murals over the last couple of years and would love to get more into that. Painting something BIG and permanent means a ton, especially when it’s for your community.
3. How do you get through a creative block?
Going outside! Disconnecting and being in nature is the best, getting off of my phone and somewhere with no service especially. Camping with my husband Myles and our dog Rip, getting in the mountains, trail running, or even just a walk on the trail by our house, always helps clear my mind and start something with a fresh perspective.
4. What are you currently working on or excited about?
I’ve gotten to do a lot of design work for my favorite coffee shop in Bellingham, Hammerhead Coffee Roasters. Designed some merch for them recently that I was really stoked to share.
5. What's one piece of advice that's shaped your creative journey?
Comparison is the thief of joy (I heard it from an influencer haha but I think about it probably every day). It’s hard to not compare yourself to other artists and how they are doing, but we are all on our own paths and ya gotta just enjoy the ride and make what you think the world needs!
6. What are 5 things currently inspiring you? (e.g., music, books, artists, places, objects)
Early morning runs, sombr radio, good coffee, Mazama Washington, long chats with old friends.
7. Anything else you want us to know?
I changed my instagram handle from @laurat.design to @laura____west! (4 underscores lol) I got married in 2025 and am workin on updating all of the things!
8. Where is the best place to view your art?
Instagram @laura____west
Prints and contact on my website: laurawestdesign.com
Bring a little of Laura (Thomsen) West's Pacific Northwest-inspired artwork into your everyday with her Denik collection. Shop her notebooks, then follow @laura____west to keep up with her latest illustrations, murals, and creative adventures.
