Today I’m excited to share with you the work of Claire Dent. Claire creates beautiful abstract patterns, full of texture and imbued with movement. She loves to use found objects to create motifs for her patterns, and is well on her way towards building a successful pattern design business. She does all of this while raising three children.

I couldn't wait to interview Claire to hear about her approach to pattern design and find out how she is growing her business and juggling motherhood at the same time.

Hi Claire! Can you tell us a little bit about your background as an artist and how you got into surface pattern design?

I have always been a creative person. I paint, draw, make collages and craft both jewelry and bridal headbands.

I studied fine arts in school, graduating from the University of the Creative Arts in Farnham, Surrey. While in school I found myself making artwork that featured repeating motifs. In fact, I once painted several very large (9ft by 6ft) pieces all with hand drawn ‘bubble’ style drawings in pen. Each piece took over a month! I still have the scars on my fingers to prove it! It was then I realized how much I enjoy the therapeutic nature of making repeating patterns.

I continued to paint after leaving university and then a couple of years ago came across Make It In Design. It's an online pattern design school featuring courses taught by Rachael Taylor and Beth Kempton. Completing these courses fired up my enthusiasm for surface design and provided me with the tools I needed to establish my own business while raising a family.

How would you describe your signature style? Did it take you awhile to settle on a style?

I would describe my signature style as abstract, intuitive and textured. It took me years to find my style, and I will say it is ever evolving. It quite often changes with the seasons, or how I'm feeling, or even what tools I have on hand.

Can you share with us anything about your process and how you approach building out a pattern?

I love using unique textures and effects. Quite often I get my hands dirty and create patterns using found objects. Once I dipped an old candle in paint and used it as a printing stamp. I also love pens, whether its a plain old black one or a sumptuous metallic one with an iridescent quality. I use pens to draw textures and motifs in unique ways, and then manipulate my drawings digitally in either Photoshop or Illustrator.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from my immediate surroundings and in particular nature. I live close to the South Downs National Park, which has an abundance of flora and fauna that inspire me. I like to look at unusual aspects of nature. For example, a close up of a dragonfly wing or moss growing on a rock, and create unique abstract shapes from these. I am a very intuitive artist and sometimes I just see where the pen takes me.

How has motherhood impacted your career and your decision to start your own surface pattern design business?

Although my creative career took a backseat when I became a mother to three beautiful children, I have made it a priority to maintain a regular creative practice. Being a parent has increased my confidence, boosted my organizational skills and helped me be a more positive person. All of these things will in turn influence the way my children perceive life. I think being a mother has given me the confidence to think ‘yes I can do what I love!’ When my youngest was 4 months old I decided to start working towards my goal to become a creative professional. That is what I have always wanted to be.

Can you tell me a little bit about how you juggle motherhood and work?

As a parent you have to be organized. There are a lot of activities to schedule, paperwork to fill out, and a variety of emotions you have to deal with on a daily basis.

Learning how to navigate these things is an asset and can be applied to any business.

I am incredibly lucky to have a fantastic support network around me. My husband is very supportive and will look after the children when he is not at work, giving me a few hours here and there. My mother and In-laws also help with child care if they know I have deadlines approaching.

I try to take advantage of any opportunity to work on my designs,

whether it's evenings, nap times or when my children are at school.

Do you have advice for other parents who are trying to build a career while also taking care of little ones?

My advice to any parent would be to find a balance between family time and work time and keep them separate. Having said that though, I do like to include my children in the occasional drawing or painting session! I have even started to teach my 7 year old Photoshop so she can use it to work on designs she creates.I know that it will take time for my business to grow. However, I’m willing to put in the hours and effort to achieve my goals and I will get there!

What challenges have you faced so far as a designer?

Although I am early on in my career as a surface pattern designer, I already know it will take a lot of work to get my patterns out there and licensed. There are so many fantastic designers in the industry. Competition is fierce! But it is also incredibly exciting and challenging. I love a challenge!!

What have been some of your biggest successes?

So far my biggest successes have been launching my business and creating a website. Being a fledgling surface designer I am still learning the business and establishing my brand. However, I am getting my work out there and have sold cushions to some very happy customers through a competition Wraptious was holding.

Who knows where I’ll be this time next year. I may have a licensing deal, or be showing at a big trade show... Surtex?!

Any of these would qualify as an awesome achievement.

What advice can you give others who are just starting out?

Design every day!! ‘Practice makes perfect’ as they say! Ensure your designs show a bit of you in them. Be passionate about your work. It’s your uniqueness that will grab the attention of a buyer or Agent.

If you’d like to see more of Claire’s work, you can visit her website or find her on Instagram.

Juggling Motherhood and a Design Career with Claire Dent