Digital Marketing Business OwneR | Professor | FilmMaker
Hi, I’m Lara.
I’m the founder of The Social Media Artist, a digital marketing agency that focuses on creative industries. I have been in business since 2016 and have been a professor since 2017. I have created and taught courses about digital marketing at the University of Toronto, University of Guelph, Seneca College and Humber College. I am also filmmaker, and my first film, The Shadow Pandemic, was a documentary that was selected and screened at numerous festivals around the world including the Berlin LIFT Film Festival, the Lebanese Independent Film Festival, and the Lonely Wolf Film Festival based out of the United Kingdom.
Click below to learn more about me.
Providing high impact digital marketing strategy for creatives. Let’s talk about what works best for you.
THE SOCIAL MEDIA ARTIST
My journey began in the fast-paced world of advertising, but my heart has always belonged to the arts. That’s why in 2016 I created The Social Media Artist, a haven for fellow creatives seeking to thrive online.
My team and I are a collection of artists-turned-marketers, all sharing a deep appreciation for creative expression. We firmly believe that creativity is the key to impactful marketing. That is why I have always prioritized hiring artists and teaching them the ins and outs of digital strategy. Today, my team of published authors, actors, dancers, and scenic artists all bring their unique talents to crafting captivating social media strategies, compelling copy, eye-catching graphic designs, and engaging video content.
Let us help you turn your artistic vision into a thriving online presence.
WHAT WE DO:
Social Media Strategy
- Content audit
- Paid and organic social media campaigns
- Social media analytics
- Copywriting
Photography/Video production
- Lifestyle photography of products/services
- Video production
- Video editing
Graphic Design
- Logo design
- Custom illustration
- Brand refresh
- Website design
I’ve Worked With
Teaching
Empowering creative minds for a career in digital marketing and media through post-secondary education.
As an educator, I have had the privilege of inspiring students across diverse faculties and programs, including marketing, business, comedy, and fashion at esteemed institutions that include Humber College, Seneca College, University of Guelph-Humber, and Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto. I have developed and led numerous in-person, hybrid, and online courses in digital marketing and media for continuing education, diploma, and certificate programs. These courses were designed to foster a vibrant learning environment for up to fifty students at a time.
In addition to my teaching and course design, I have facilitated the community-led programs: New Beginnings and Youth Transition, which have provided youth and women with opportunities for free education at post-secondary institutions.
My teaching philosophy centers on a hands-on, real-world approach, where students gain practical skills and insights to thrive in a digital landscape. Known for my approachable and informative style, I strive to make learning enjoyable and empowering.
Find me on RateMyProfessor.com here.
Courses and Curriculum Development
Below are the courses I have taught and developed:
- Social Media Campaign Management: New Beginnings Program, Humber College.
- Comedy in Social Media: Comedy Writing and Performance, Humber College.
- Social Media and Fashion Promotion: Fashion Arts and Business, Humber College.
- Intro to Media: Youth Transition Program, Humber College.
- Project Lifecycle: Media and Communications, University of Guelph-Humber.
- Social Media Content Strategy: Media and Communications, University of Guelph-Humber.
- Audio and Video Production I: Elective for various programs, Humber College.
- Digital Marketing I: Fashion Business Management, Seneca College.
- Social Media Content Strategy: Continuous Professional Learning, Humber College.
- Social Media Advertising: Continuous Professional Learning, Humber College.
- Digital Marketing Strategy: School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto.
Filmmaking
I believe in the power of film to spark conversations, raise awareness, and drive positive change.
My passion for film and its subsequent social impact led me to complete my Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Media at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). During my studies, I honed my skills in filmmaking, research, and advocacy, culminating in my debut documentary, “The Shadow Pandemic.”
Filmed in a desktop documentary format, “The Shadow Pandemic” explores the often-overlooked issue of loneliness, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on public health. The film delves into the potential of social prescribing as a powerful tool to combat what was a silent epidemic. The film has been recognized and screened at numerous international film festivals, including the Berlin LIFT Film Festival, the Lebanese Independent Film Festival, and the Lonely Wolf Film Festival.
Watch the full film below:
Watch more of my short films:
In addition to my own filmmaking, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to impactful documentaries on a global scale. From 2022 to 2024 I collaborated with renowned filmmaker, Jennifer Baichwal and Mercury Films, on the award-winning documentary, “Into the Weeds.” As part of the impact team, I led the digital marketing efforts for their international #PesticideFree campaign that engaged audiences across the European Union, Canada, and the United States. The campaign’s reach extended to over 600 theaters in the US alone and garnered support from influential figures like Margaret Atwood, Carey Gillam, and Senator Cory Booker. In Canada, we achieved a significant milestone with the tabling of a parliamentary petition calling for action on glyphosate use, while also generating awareness through community screenings and participation in the U.N. Environmental Programme’s COP15.
My commitment to amplifying important stories continues through my work on social media campaigns for documentaries like Maya Gallus’ “Crush: A Message in a Bottle,” which is currently screening through the festival circuit and engaging audiences worldwide.
