Search GDUSA


The nation’s most popular news source for graphic design business, ideas, and opportunities.

Lori Murphy

Lori is a visual thinker and passionate about developing a unique visual language for each of her clients.

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
GAUGER + ASSOCIATES, SAN FRANCISCO CA

After receiving a degree in graphic design from San Jose State University, Lori Murphy began her career as a designer and head preparator at the San Jose Museum of Art. From there, she moved to San Francisco to became part of the creative team at Gauger + Associates. Lori has developed branding and identity systems, packaging, collateral materials, environmental graphics, websites, print, and online advertising for a broad range of clients, mostly within the natural food and building industries. She has received numerous industry awards, including Graphis, AIGA, GDUSA, Print, and The National Awards. Lori is a visual thinker and passionate about developing a unique visual language for each of her clients. Her secret strength is that she is nimble in both graphic design and fine art. Along the way, Murphy earned an MFA in sculpture from the San Francisco Art Institute. When she isn’t working at her day, She is a practicing fine artist and has shown her work in museums and galleries.

THE FUTURE OF THE GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS?
I started in this business back in the days of traditional hand methods … before the digital revolution when print was king. Now everything is different. Today, graphic designers are called to work in an ever-changing environment where new tools and skills are continuously being introduced. The internet and digital marketing, combined with good content and user experience, has brought to the table something print never could; invaluable data from every user interaction. This is the new landscape but one thing is still the same — the need for bright, dedicated designers with innovative ideas, a passion for the creative process, and the desire to do great work. Good design has never mattered more.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
San Francisco, still live and work there, it’s home

A DESIGN HERO?
Paula Scher

FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA?
Instagram

FAVORITE TELEVISION BINGE WATCH?
I don’t watch much tv, however, I have recently re-watched Mad Men, Peggy Olson captured my heart

FAVORITE PODCAST?
City Arts & Lectures, NPR

FAVORITE BOOK?
Collected Stories of Wallace Stegner, Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott

FAVORITE MOVIE?
The Red Balloon, Duel, My Neighbor Totoro, Edward Scissorhands

FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Ross Bleckner, Punk Junko Oki, Barry McGee, Margaret Kilgallen, Heather Wilcoxon, Meg Hitchcock, Mark Bradford, Lisa Kokin …

FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY?
I was the volunteer art teacher for my daughter’s grade school class for eight years. With powerful imaginations, kids are natural innovators.

FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Walking the streets of San Francisco, making art out of everyday materials, doing street murals on my favorite wall

IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER?
A full-time fine artist

[php function=46]

GDUSA NEWSLETTER
Stay up-to-date with the latest in graphic design news
GOT NEWS?
Share the latest in trends, job transitions, and exciting innovations
The LATEST

See More Features >

MORE Like This

GDUSA’s 63rd Annual ‘People To Watch’ Edition

For six decades, GDUSA has recognized ‘People To Watch’ who embody the spirit of the creative community. Individuals we have ...

Chase Design Group Expands Western Europe Footprint

Chase Design Group is expanding its Western European presence with a move to a larger space in Bristol UK, and ...

We Want To Hear From You!

Thank you for your time in responding to GDUSA's 2025 Graphic Design Print Survey. These questions help us and our ...
Cookie policy

We use our own and third party cookies to allow us to understand how the site is used and to support our marketing campaigns. Learn more.

Enter Our 2026 American Digital Design Awards™

Skip to content