Designer of the Week: Claire Salisbury Studios

This week, Claire Salisbury shares insights into her creative business. Based in Blackpool in the North West of England, Claire designs and illustrates a gorgeous variety of prints from whimsical characters to detailed and colourful flowers. Read on to learn more about her practice. 

Where's Claire Salisbury Studios' location?

I'm based in Blackpool in the North West of England.

When did you first start being interested in design?

I first became interested in design at high school in the 1990's where I studied Fashion & Textiles, it was the only subject I liked and was good at.

Which design school did you study at (if you did)?

I am studying design online with Make it in Design owned by Rachael Taylor & Beth Kempton.

Describe you style for us in 10 words.

My design style is colourful, fresh, abstract, spontaneous and geometric.

What is your favourite medium to work in and why? (Watercolour, gouache, fine liner pens).

My favourite medium is a variety of pens including fine liners, brush pens and markers along with lots of paper.

What / who are your major influences?

My major influences are Rachael Taylor from Rachael Taylor Designs and Make it in Design, Kelly Rae Roberts, Flora Waycott, Marie Perkins and my mum (she's my biggest cheerleader). My favourite inspirational place is the V&A Museum in London, I haven't been there for far too long. I also love the Lake District, it's so quiet, peaceful and beautiful up there, I always come home feeling really inspired by the stunning surroundings.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am currently working on creating my own range of products including cushions, tea towels and stationery.

What music do you listen to while designing?

I listen to all kinds of music whilst I'm working, my favourite playlist currently includes Jess Glynne, Ed Sheeran, Paloma Faith, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Pink.

What is your favourite part of the design process from inspiration, drawing to the final printed fabric/product?

I love watching a pattern come together from a selection of motifs but my favourite part is when the selection of fabric samples featuring those designs arrive and seeing them in real life instead of on a screen.

What tips would you give new designers starting out?

My tips for new designers starting out would be draw as often as possible, experiment with colour palettes and get your work out there where people can see it whether that's on social media, your own website or even at an exhibition in a gallery, just go for it and be yourself.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future?

In the future I'd love to license my designs with some well-known brands and see my products in department stores.

What tips would you give new designers starting out?

My tips for new designers starting out would be draw as often as possible, experiment with colour palettes and get your work out there where people can see it whether that's on social media, your own website or even at an exhibition in a gallery, just go for it and be yourself.

Thanks for sharing your creative journey and insights to your business Claire , we look foward to seeing your range of products develop!

Shop Claire Salisbury Studios

Follow Claire on Instagram @clairesalisburystudios

Going forward, we're going to choose one designer each week to take centre stage as our #DesignerOfTheWeek!

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