Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Claire Dougherty. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Claire, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I’ve always loved doing all kinds of crafts and art. Its just in me to create, whether it’s graphic design, painting, collage, needlework, sewing, gardening, ceramics– anything with my hands. My mom encouraged my creativity and shuttled me around to art classes. She was a museum docent and always supported artists by buying original art. Her influence laid the foundation for a visual life.

I was fortunate to get a BFA in graphic design which taught me the fundamentals in all things art-related. I think any art is really about composition, form, and color, so once exposed to these principles, you can apply them to anything you’re doing.

Because there were no computers or design apps when I studied design, we learned essential and important skills like hand-lettering with a focus on typography. We mastered the elemental basics, which are immensely beneficial. But it was definitely a challenge to not have computer training or digital mastery instilled automatically. I persevered in my 30’s, taking classes to get up to speed in Adobe design programs. I continue to learn new programs (like making elaborate iMovies) so I can keep my mind sharp. Now I use Canva online to design– it’s free, and super easy to do custom designs.

I take community classes, workshops, and just putter all the time to pursue a creative life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

After graduating with a BFA, I landed a job in advertising in SF, but quickly realized I did not thrive or design well under extreme pressure. So I shifted to working at a non-profit arts organization which allowed me to curate exhibitions. This lead to becoming a director at an esteemed art gallery. The owner encouraged me to create displays and design marketing and advertising materials which dovetailed perfectly with my skillset.

As my husband and I raised my two kiddos, I designed custom logos, invitations, rugs, etc– all through referral. It was gratifying to be an active contributor to their school where I created a new logo and a line of school merch, opening the school store. Sometimes I filled in to teach during the kids’ art classes. I think I’m most proud of these years when my kids saw me actively involved with them. It’s been really fun designing merchandise for their interests (lacrosse wear, school flair, banners, etc).

I ended my “career” with a 5-year stint doing retail merchandising for a local mercantile. I was given free range to buy product, fabricate retail layouts, and create compelling displays. It seems my talents came full circle with this position, where I conceived retail promotions, marketed, and designed signage to elevate the mercantile’s sales. In looking back, it’s satisfying to see how each position helped weave together a variety of design interests/talents.

At this point in my life, I’m so happy to have the freedom to pursue things away from the computer screen. I appreciate taxidermy and have created my own. I’m a beekeeper, avid gardener, and have recently taken up ceramics; it’s incredibly gratifying to work in 3D with clay. We’re very fortunate to have a high level ceramics workshop at the Terra Linda Community Center. My clay work often incorporates nature; I press plant blossoms and stems I find on hikes into clay. I also use animal imagery and bees. I’m in awe of the beautiful organization and productivity of life-sustaining bees.

It’s really important to me to lead an aesthetic life. Without sounding lofty, I hope to imbue all things around me with a spark of attention to design. Whether it be an interesting seasonal vignette on my mantel, a clay totem, hand-stamped honey jar logo, or sewing custom dog bandanas, it gives me great satisfaction to keep my hands busy.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think we all have some level of creativity within us. I’ve heard “I can’t do any of that.” But one CAN learn creative skills. Sometimes unsophisticated, naive art is even more compelling– it can be looser and less restrained.

In these times of digital bombardment, I hope that people take advantage of the local arts scene to engage. Take a class! Learn a new skill! Here in the bay area, we have tons of great instructors and many opportunities at our rec centers, community colleges, etc.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

It’s so important to be exposed to art. It should start at the school level (K-8) to instill creative thinking in kids. At my son’s high school, they had a two-year minimum requirement to take a visual, performing or musical art. I wish all schools would enforce this curriculum; the students have so much untapped creativity. He learned ceramics, photography, and mastered PhotoShop– all of which serve him well in his career now.

There’s a great book called, “The Dot” where a child doesn’t think she can draw. So the art instructor encourages her, “Just make a dot.” Then “Sign it.” The teacher then prominently hangs the signed, framed dot art. And the child is so inspired, she makes a whole series of elaborate dots and circles, and proudly displays them in a big solo exhibit.

I’d encourage more public exhibitions. SFO does a great job. The pop-up exhibitions at our local un-leased retail spaces are wonderful. The more art out there, the better. Marin Open Studios gives great access to our fellow creatives. Support them!

In these tumultuous times, it helps to view art, to create, to imagine and to work with our hands.