Meet Claire Lee

We were lucky to catch up with Claire Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Claire with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My strong work ethic, instilled by my parents, has been key to my resilience and determination. From a young age, I learned that success only comes from hard work. My mom often reminded me that whatever I wanted to achieve in life required self-discipline and dedication. Raising me along with three brothers was no easy task, and understanding my mom’s strength and hard working nature has always inspired me. Additionally, my dad has successfully run his own wholesale produce business for over 30 years, building it from the ground up and maintaining its growth throughout my childhood and beyond. I am deeply grateful to both of my parents for teaching me the value of hard work.

I also believe that I’ve always had a bit of a perfectionist nature, which has driven me to work hard throughout school, college, and my career. Since childhood, this mindset helped me to develop a strong work ethic. From elementary school to college, I consistently strived to excel in my classes. Doing my best made me feel proud and motivated me to keep pushing for high achievements. When I started my very first job in retail, I adopted the mindset that if I was going to do any job, I should do it well. This determination to always give my best performance continues to guide me in my artistic career.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I specialize in illustration and graphic design for consumer products, and I currently work full-time as a Textile Designer at Hot Topic Inc. In this role, I create graphics and patterns for Hot Topic, Box Lunch, and Her Universe. Designing licensed apparel has been a rewarding experience, and I enjoy working with a diverse range of entertainment properties. Over the past eight months, this job has significantly expanded my skills and provided inspiration that I apply to my personal projects.

In addition to my role at Hot Topic, I also work as a Freelance Illustrator and Graphic Designer for NBCUniversal. In this freelance position, I collaborate on a variety of projects, including graphic design, illustration, packaging, and style guides. This role has allowed me to tackle different creative challenges, enhancing my versatility and problem-solving skills.

At the same time, I’ve been developing my own brand, Happy Hammies. This personal project, which I began in college, has grown steadily over the past few years. Inspired by the many pet hamsters I’ve had throughout my life, Happy Hammies features hamster-themed products, stationery, and art. Recently, I’ve started vending at markets and events, showcasing these products and fulfilling a long-time dream of mine. Going forward, I hope to expand the brand into new product categories, such as home decor, accessories, and apparel. Tabling at events has been a dream since I attended my first convention, and I’m thrilled to see it becoming a reality!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The first quality that has been incredibly impactful on my journey is adaptability. Being able to embrace different styles and remain open to a variety of creative opportunities has significantly enhanced my versatility. Taking on a wide range of projects has not only taught me skills across various areas of the industry but also provided me with diverse perspectives that help me continue to improve.
Another crucial quality in advancing my career is curiosity. I maintain the mindset that there is always more to learn, viewing each project as an opportunity to adopt new techniques, refine my skills, and discover innovative solutions to problems. Much of the knowledge and experience I’ve gained has come from tackling projects that were new to me and continually seeking ways to develop and become more efficient. I believe that continuous learning is essential for evolving as a creative professional.
Lastly, technical proficiency in design tools and software, particularly the Adobe Creative Suite, has been fundamental. Because Adobe is the industry standard, having a strong knowledge of these programs not only helps me bring my visions to life, but also opens doors to numerous creative opportunities. Through my work experience and ongoing practice, my technical skills have advanced significantly, allowing me to handle projects effectively and efficiently, regardless of their complexity.

My advice to someone who is early in their journey would be to focus on acquiring the technical skills needed to achieve your goals, absorb as much knowledge as you can from a variety of sources, and remain open to any opportunities that arise. A creative career may not always follow a straightforward path, but it’s important to stay resilient and always seek out new ways to grow and improve!

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

One year ago, I was navigating my way through various roles, working in retail, developing personal projects, and taking on freelance graphic design work. I faced several personal challenges that significantly contributed to my growth and resilience. These experiences have strengthened my ability to adapt and persevere, leaving a lasting positive impact on my life.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to step into my first full-time creative role. Starting at Hot Topic as a Textile Designer has significantly improved my technical skills, work habits, and overall industry knowledge. Entering this new industry has been an incredible opportunity for my growth as an illustrator and designer. As I’ve adapted to this new environment, collaborating with other creative professionals and learning from their expertise has been highly rewarding.
Overall, the most significant areas of growth I’ve experienced in the past year are my skill development and industry knowledge. With the insights I’ve gained, I’m confident in my ability to face any challenge or opportunity that comes my way. I’m proud of the professional advancement I’ve achieved, and I’m looking forward to further advancing my career and contributing to the creative industry.

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