In each of our Crowdsourcing Designer Report interviews here on Springleap, we dig deep to get the feedback from designers and illustrators from around the world on their experience of crowdsourced design platforms. We shoot them some questions, they respond, and you get the lowdown - everyone wins. In today’s interview, we have the pleasure of interviewing British illustrator Clare Nicholas, who produces illustrations for editorial and digital creations with a printmaking influence in a fresh contemporary style.
Who are you?
I am Clare Nicholas, illustrator.
Where do you live?
I live in Rugby, Warwickshire, UK.
Describe yourself - likes/ dislikes.
I like anything creative, walking in the mountains.
Which crowdsource plaforms do you use?
I use Design Crowd which I discovered online somehow.
What do you love about crowdsourcing contests?
I love the fact that you have the opportunity to compete for a project when it is quiet on the commissioning front. It keeps my mind focused on creating and gives me a good idea of what is going on. I don’t like that fact that so far I have been unsuccessful but I am forever hopeful. I have only been trying for the last few weeks.
What don’t you love about crowdsourcing contests?
It has not evolved into a source of income for me yet.
What inspires you?
Nature inspires me. It is such a great resource and abundantly available.
Describe your design style?
My design style can be quirky and fun.
Where did you study design?
I studied art at Bristol Polytechnic and at the Royal College of Art in London, UK.
Which are your favorite designers and styles?
I am influenced by lots of things. Folk art is a great love of mine. I adore Rob Ryan’s work. And I also like contemporary montage styles, Michelle Thompson being one example.
What category of projects are your favorites? (e.g: packaging)
I love packaging and greetings design but tend to do a lot of editorial work.
What has been your favourite brief so far?
My favourite brief was working on a set of commissioned images for a hotel in Stratford Upon Avon, UK. The series was based losely around the themes of the swan (the hotel’s name) and Shakespeare - Stratford Upon Avon was William Shakespeare’s birthplace.
How can the experience be improved?
I think crowdsourcing could be improved by increased feedback from the potential client. It’s quite hard to have no response at all even when you have committed a significant amount and time and effort.
Thanks to Clare for the time and insights into her experience of crowdsourced design! If you’d like to see more of her work, take a look here.
Would you like to read more Crowdsource Designer Interviews? You can see the growing list of designers we’re speaking to here.
