Author: Alison Hazel   –   Updated: May 2025

Artist Interview: Claire

This time I have something really special for you and I was delighted to meet with and interview an exceptional young artist, Claire, from Price Design Studio in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Claire is an award-winning honors graduate from Mohawk College Advanced Graphic Design program and Art Design Foundations Program and also carries a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Current Work

Claire creates graphics for digital and print, including event graphics, signage, flyers, catalogues, booklets, posters and more. She collaborates with small businesses and non-profit organizations in her community to design impactful event signage for events, galas, symposiums and more. She works closely with the black and racialized community in Hamilton to help foster confidence, cultural pride and a sense of belonging.

Achievements

Claire was the only student to receive two awards at her graduation, the Outstanding Achievement Award and Judge W.K. Warrender Award at Mohawk College. She previously won the Academic Excellence Award for Creative Industries at Mohawk College and received a Bronze Medal at the Ontario Skills Competition for Graphic Design. She was recently a recipient of the City of Hamilton Mayor’s award for her contributions to the black and racialized community for her graphic design work.

Genesis 

Have you always been interested in art?

Yes, ever since I was young, I always enjoyed drawing, coloring and painting.

Do you come from an arty family?

Yes definitely, my mother and older sister have always been very creative, and I’ve discovered my younger sister is also quite crafty!

Did you have a sketchbook / sticker book as a young person?

Yes, always had a sketchbook and still do to this day, although I do enjoy working on my iPad, it’s always great to go back to basics with a pencil and paper.

Your Art Journey

I understand that you first studied another subject before going back to college for art and design. Can you tell us about how you came to that decision?

I achieved a BA for Sociology and Environmental Studies. During COVID-19 I took time to reflect on what I want to be doing with my everyday life. I decided to go back to school as a mature student this was a tough decision. So, I took the one-year art and design foundations program to ensure this was what I wanted. After receiving a 98 GPA I knew I found the right path and signed up for the Advanced Graphic Design Program.

How old were you when you finished your studies?

Twenty-nine.

Do you plan to take more art related courses in years to come?

Perhaps!

Inspiration

Who are your current favorite artists or designers?

Made By James @made.by.james, CJ Cawley @CJ.Cawley.Design and James Barnard @Barnardco.

Do you think inspiration is all around us or is it something that must be consciously brought into focus?

Inspiration is always all around us.

Do you believe that everyone can be artistic?

Of course!

Why do you create art?

Because it comes easy to me and is enjoyable. I also love computers so I enjoy working on them for my graphic design work, but I also love that I can switch to different mediums like pottery or painting.

Message

Do you think that art must have a message or can it be purely decorative?

Art is what you make it. Just like tattoos, you can have meaning behind the tattoo or you can get it just because you like it. It’s all ok.

Do you think posters can change people’s awareness of politics or discrimination or inclusion of people? Can you give an example?

One hundred percent of designing posters is an art communication. We can communicate to an audience, bring awareness to a subject or event, draw new people in and educate. For example, I recently created a reel video on Instagram for Purple Day, which is a day designed to bring awareness to epilepsy and those living with it. 

This year I decided to do more than to share just some text that says, “purple day” instead I used the reel to help share education and awareness on, “what to do” if you see someone experiencing an epileptic seizure. This reel spread all over Ontario and Canada, gaining a lot of views and shares. 

I had people reaching out to me to thank me for sharing. I thanked them for sharing their personal stories of themselves or their family or children living with epilepsy. It brought the community together. It’s so powerful.

Your Daily Art Practice

Do you practice art every day/week/month? 

Everyday.

How does that process look?

Wake up, have a tea and work on my computer for hours. Have lunch, back to work for hours, have dinner and then if there is more freelance work to be done, I continue. Some days I wake up at 6am, and work, and I go to bed at 11pm.

Do you work on one piece at a time or do you have a few projects on the go at once?

Multiple at once. When working on a project I focus in, but I don’t have another different one lined up for when I complete one.

Motivation

Apart from your paid work, what motivates you to begin a new art piece for pleasure for yourself?

I’m motivated to design for myself when I have free time to do so. So, it doesn’t happen too often but I’m hoping to change that soon.

Freelance Work

As a freelance artist, is the up and down flow of work a challenge or do you manage to juggle everything at once?

It can have its challenges for sure, but overall, I have done pretty well with managing my time and not taking on too many projects or clients at once. I’m trying to allow myself more break times in between, but when someone comes calling for some design help, I can’t help myself but jump in, especially for those last-minute requests.

What advice do you have for people thinking about starting a freelance art business?

Just do it! Give it a shot! What are you waiting for?

What is the main challenge when working with clients that you can advise our readers to watch out for?

Every client is different, so every project can be different. Remember that people view good design and bad design completely differently, so never take it personally if someone does like something. It’s a puzzle trying to figure out what they want when they don’t know either, so remember to ask the right questions and have open communication.

Composition

Do you stick with the methods like “the rule of three” or perhaps have another guide when laying out an art piece?

One of the key design principles I rely on is C.R.A.P. which stands for Contrast, Repetition, Alignment and Proximity. It might have a funny name, but it’s an incredibly practical framework that helps create designs that are clear, engaging and easy to understand. While it’s not directly based on Gestalt theory, there’s definitely some overlap. 

For example, proximity and repetition in C.R.A.P. align closely with how Gestalt theory explains the way people naturally group similar or nearby elements. Both approaches are all about guiding the viewer’s eye and making sure your message comes through effectively. So, whether I’m designing a poster, layout, or social media content, I always keep C.R.A.P. in mind to make sure my work communicates with impact and clarity.

Do you begin with a pencil sketch then take it into Photoshop or Procreate?

Always start with a sketch! And then I move into Adobe Illustrator or InDesign.

Art Challenges

Many of my readers are getting back into art after being away for many years, how do you feel about art challenges like Inktober to help spark creativity?

I love art challenges, it’s always so great to have a prompt in design, it sparks a thought and then you can run with it!

Do you believe in art challenges?

Of course, they are fun and help build community which is what it’s all about.

Sketchbook

Can you share your ideas on the value (or not) surrounding keeping an artist’s sketchbook?

It’s great to have a pen and paper handy at any moment for a quick sketch or thought. It’s wonderful to flip back on years later as well to see what you created and how far you have come.

Medium

What is your current preferred medium and why?

Digital, its where I do most of my work and I love working on a computer. It just comes naturally and is fun. Otherwise in my spare time I love to do a pottery class or throw together a painting.

 

 

Where Artists Work

Can you tell us about your home art studio?

I have an office and desk, but I find myself on the couch a lot these days. I’m revamping my office soon so perhaps that will change with my new set up!

Do you prefer natural light or, because you work on a computer, is good lighting enough?

I love working on my computer sitting by a window for sure. It’s much better than being in a room with limited lighting.

What music or podcasts do you listen to while creating?

Music that is emotionally raw, lyrically honest and often blends genres like punk, indie and alternative rap.

Are pets allowed in your studio? Please tell us about them?

Of course, always! We have Maggie the golden labrador who is my design buddy. She always likes to be nearby and is turning thirteen this year!

May we have an image of your desk? 

I just packed it up because I am moving, but I will send an updated version of my new desk set up when we meet again!

Pay it Forward

What advice would you give to other hobby artists who might be hesitant to even start art again or pick up a stylus, pen or brush?

You are never too old to start something new, if it brings you joy continue with it, an if you’ve put in time and money and its not bringing you joy anymore, that doesn’t mean you are chained to continue it for life. Just do what makes you happy, it’s ok to change your mind later.

Do you think it is ever too late to start with art?

Never ever.

Contact Details

Website

Website under construction so please visit me on Instagram.

Instagram

I’m on Instagram @PriceDesignStudio

Favorite Supplies List

Claire’s List

Here are some of Claire’s basic art equipment and software and pens pencils etc. that she uses every day.

• iPad
• Adobe creative cloud suite

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Meet More Artists

Here are a few more artists whom I’ve interviewed to inspire your art practice.

If you know an artist who’d like to be featured here please email me at alisonhazelart@gmail.com.

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you. Read more about Alison’s story. Get her newsletter.