We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claire Lee-carter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claire below.

Claire, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawing—on every scrap of paper I could find. But figuring out how to turn that passion into a career was a journey full of twists, doubts, and surprises.

When it was time to choose a college path, I wasn’t sure what to do. I ended up studying graphic design at community college, thinking it was the “practical” option for a creative career. But deep down, I knew my real dream was animation—I just didn’t know how to get there. That all changed when my boyfriend at the time discovered CalArts, the place to go for animation. From that moment, I was laser-focused on getting in. It took three years of hard work and perseverance, but I made it.

After breaking into the animation industry, I had the chance to work with amazing studios like Hasbro, Amazon, and Netflix, creating the kinds of stories I’d always dreamed of. But over time, I realized I wanted something more: the freedom to create on my own terms. So I left the industry to start my own business.

I struggled at first, not knowing exactly what kind of art to focus on. Then, out of the blue, I started getting requests to illustrate children’s books. It felt like fate—my mom had been a children’s book illustrator, and it had always been a dream of mine too. But just like a career in animation I just never thought it was possible. But now, I see it as the perfect extension of what I loved about animation: creating stories that inspire, entertain, and connect with people, especially children.

Looking back, every step—every doubt, every detour—led me here. I’ve finally found my calling, and it’s even more rewarding than I ever imagined.

Claire, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I studied Character Animation at CalArts, which was founded by Walt Disney. It was there that I learned the art of storytelling, character design, animation, and how to bring it all together to create a film. Creating an animated film on your own taught me not only technical skills but also perseverance, time management, and creative problem-solving.

After leaving school, I entered the animation industry and learned the business side of things—a world vastly different from the artistic environment of school. While I thrived in the industry, I often felt the pull to strike out on my own. Over time, I explored various side hustles, which eventually led me to realize that I had all the tools I needed to build a business combining my artistic talents and entrepreneurial skills.

Today, I’m proud to call myself an illustrator, with a focus on children’s books and hand-drawn journey maps. My children’s book illustrations are inspired by my animation background, bringing characters and stories to life with vibrant personality and detail. My journey maps are a unique offering—personalized, hand-crafted illustrations that tell your story (or your love story) at a glance. I’ve worked hard to make these maps truly special, combining high-quality character design, storytelling, and environmental art to create something one-of-a-kind.

What sets my work apart is my deep love for drawing people and faces. Whether it’s a book illustration or a journey map, I strive to capture the essence of my clients’ stories and characters in a way that feels authentic and unforgettable.

I’m most proud of the journey it’s taken to get here. From animation to illustration, I’ve poured my skills and heart into building a business that allows me to tell stories, create meaningful art, and connect with others. For me, it’s all about creating something that sparks joy, emotion, and connection—and I hope my work does that for everyone who encounters it.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, I wish I had known more about the business side of being a creative from the start. School taught me so much about art, storytelling, and technique, but it didn’t prepare me for the realities of marketing myself, pricing my work, or building a brand. It wasn’t until I took business courses outside of school that I really began to understand how to navigate those challenges.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t need to be the most skilled artist to have a successful career—you just need to know how to market your work and get it in front of the right audience. Press and visibility are your best friends. If a post on Instagram only gets a few likes, it doesn’t mean your work isn’t good—it likely just means the algorithm didn’t give it the reach it deserves. The key is to stay persistent, keep putting yourself out there, and trust that your audience will find you in time.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

There have definitely been people in my life who don’t fully understand the value of art, animation, or children’s content. But to me, they’re incredibly important. Media has a profound influence on shaping the world—it helps form opinions, shift perspectives, and inspire change. And children’s content, in particular, often carries some of the most positive and impactful messages, wrapped in amazing stories of perseverance, kindness, and hope.

Just because something is “for children” doesn’t mean it’s silly or less meaningful. In fact, these stories are foundational. They shape the lessons we grow up with and help us become kind, hardworking individuals. Personally, it was those shows and stories—featuring protagonists who never gave up and believed in themselves—that gave me the mindset to keep pushing forward even when I failed. They inspired me to work hard, pursue animation, become my own boss, and keep dreaming big. Without those stories, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I think we all have something to learn from them, no matter our age.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://claireleecarter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claireleecarterart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lee-carter-034079127/?midToken=AQF1uKYZNG9r3g&midSig=01E6HIDHM_dHw1&trk=eml-email_notification_single_commented_on_your_update_01-header-0-profile_glimmer&trkEmail=eml-email_notification_single_commented_on_your_update_01-header-0-profile_glimmer-null-8n7g14~m37az3bf~rt-null-null&eid=8n7g14-m37az3bf-rt