Meet Lee Turner | Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lee Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lee, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think less and less about risk the more life experience I gain. I’ve struggled with anxiety for a long time, and it’s been helpful for me to start framing decisions by asking myself, “but will I die?” And the answer is always no. I’ve learned how to survive some pretty tough times: I know how to couch surf, I know I can eat rice and beans 5 dinners a week, I know I can live for a long time on an entertainment budget of $0—and I know all of these things because I’ve done them out of necessity. Sometimes for much longer periods of time than I would have liked! But what that means is I’m not scared of taking risks (especially financial ones) because I’ve learned how to live very simply. There’s an enormous amount of freedom in this; I can make decisions based on anticipating the best outcome, but not fearing the worst. More and more, I find myself living in abundance and gratitude—and not financially! But in terms of the seemingly less significant comforts of life, like having time to read in the sun or walk to class or chat on the phone with a loved one. I’m preparing to graduate with my MFA, and I’ve made no plans for the future. In fact, my entire plan is to not make plans. I suppose this is probably viewed by many as taking quite a risk, but it doesn’t feel that way. Rather than feeling risky, it feels liberating. Maybe I’ll end up unhoused, unemployed, and eating beans for awhile, but I have fantastic relationships with a handful of really solid people and I care far more about that than worrying about making some big plans for the next stage of life. I think it’s important to do things that feel risky or even scary, because that’s how we grow. I’m grateful for the risks that I’ve taken on things that haven’t worked out, because the amount I have learned from “failure” is far greater than anything I’ve learned from “success.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been involved in art making of various types for awhile—currently, I am most drawn to letterpress printing. I really don’t think there’s anything that sets me apart from others in any special away. As far as I am concerned, if you are engaged with the creative process, if you are making art of any type, that is a good thing and that should be recognized and honored. I took a circuitous route to where I am today, but I am incredibly grateful for this path and both the parts that have felt difficult and the parts that came with ease. Above all, drawing on the support and encouragement of the folks around me has made the most difference in overcoming challenges. It’s imperative to have some good cheerleaders on your team. It’s also imperative to have some truth-tellers who let you know when you’re fucking up. If you’re lucky, those might even be the same people. The biggest lesson I have learned is that cultivating deep and meaningful relationships with others—especially other creative folks—aids in both celebrating the successes and making it through the darkness.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have this crappy old Miata that I drive, but it is a convertible! So first on the agenda would be dropping the top and heading to the beach. It’s just over a 1.5 hour drive, and you can make a day trip out of it if you like. I’d take my friend around the campus of ECU and show them the incredible hand-painted signage in the old buildings. If it’s spring, we will definitely hit an ECU baseball game. The team is really good and the games are wild fun because past the outfield fence is used as a spectator area known as The Jungle. There are a smattering of good restaurants and bars in the downtown area, which is walkable from my studio on campus 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I know it’s corny or whatever, but the answer is my mom 🙂

Website: www.leeturnerdesign.com

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