UChicago People

Staff Spotlight: Q&A with Laurie Buman, Director of Design and Identity

Laurie Buman

Director of Design and Identity
UChicago Creative

In her role as the Director of Design and Identity at UChicago Creative, Laurie Buman may already be a part of your daily life at the University of Chicago without you even knowing. Starting in 2020 when the pandemic forced many across the University to work remotely, Buman created the new tradition of using what have become beloved seasonal Zoom backgrounds. Each quarter, hundreds of members of the UChicago community download Buman’s backgrounds to brighten up their meetings. In addition to her work on the Zoom backgrounds—and more recent mobile phone backgrounds—Buman, now in her fifth year at UChicago, leads all aspects of design for UChicago Creative, including providing strategic and creative guidance and producing University-wide communications that span print, social, and branding. She helps maintain the University’s brand identity standards and advises on the brand standards of other University departments.

In addition to her work at the University, Buman is also a fine artist. At her Bridgeport Art Center studio, she creates visual art inspired by sacred images and items she’s discovered throughout her many travels. You can learn more about Buman’s artwork on her website, lauriebuman.com.

We asked Buman about her experiences in this short Q&A:

Q: What brought you to the University of Chicago?

After spending many years in advertising, I wanted to do more meaningful work and when the opportunity presented itself at UChicago Creative, it seemed like a perfect fit. I love the lifelong learning aspect of my job and being around like-minded people who work together for the greater good. There are so many opportunities at the University to grow and engage with the community.

Q: How do you balance your work as an artist with your work at the University?

I believe that when you have a passion for something, you make it work. When I’m not with my family, I spend the majority of my free time conceptualizing, creating new work, or building my social media presence. Diversifying the mediums I work in definitely helps with work-life balance. I have a studio at the Bridgeport Art Center which I mainly use on weekends, but I can do some of my artwork from home.

Laurie Buman's Art: Saint Abigail of the Sacred Bees alongside Saint Dymphna for Those Who Suffer in Silence — "Saint Abigail of the Sacred Bees" and "Saint Dymphna for Those Who Suffer in Silence" from Buman's Santos y Milagros | The Light Within the Darkness Series

Q: What kinds of challenges do you encounter in UChicago Creative, and what is your favorite thing about your role?

Coming up with creative solutions for such a wide range of projects and units can be challenging, but it is also what I love about working here. This place is a great, big, complicated puzzle!

My favorite part of the role is learning from and engaging with such a diverse group of people. There are so many interesting things going on at the University and I love being a part of it. I lead the Creative Working Group which gives me insight into the fun projects other creatives across the University are working on.

Q: How did the tradition of creating seasonal Zoom backgrounds for the University start?

I started making Zoom backgrounds during COVID when we were all suddenly working remotely with no end in sight. The backgrounds help people connect back to campus and feel a part of the UChicago community. We were all missing our beautiful campus and the change of seasons, and it brought it into our homes. They also became a great conversation starter during meetings—especially the squirrels! And personally, I like to coordinate them with my outfits.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your UChicago experience?

I feel lucky to be part of the University community. I truly appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given here, and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.