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

Claire, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes, I’ve been able to make a full-time living from my creative work, but it hasn’t been an easy journey—and honestly, it’s still a challenge sometimes. In the beginning, I juggled freelance gigs, part-time jobs (including nannying), and building my portfolio. Over time, I discovered my niche—bold, vibrant designs and illustration—and started focusing on projects that aligned with my style.

Key milestones included networking, broadening my skillset (like branding and digital design), and working with clients who connected with my aesthetic. This led to repeat work and referrals, which were game-changers for me. Over the past few years, I’ve bounced between freelance and full-time design roles, always making space for personal projects. I feel so lucky to do a mix of the things I love, and I’m excited to keep growing and expanding my creative work in the future!

Claire, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Claire Shadomy! I’m a graphic designer and illustrator based in Seattle, with a passion for creating bold, vibrant designs that connect with people. I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember, and I earned my degree in painting and drawing before diving into graphic design. Over the years, I’ve worked across branding, illustration, digital, and print design, helping clients bring their visions to life.

I also run my own creative business, Salad Days, which just celebrated its 4th birthday! Through Salad Days, I create artwork for art markets, wholesale, and other creative ventures. It’s been an exciting way to share my personal work and connect with a broader audience.

What sets me apart is my ability to balance strategic thinking with creative flair, delivering designs that are both impactful and memorable. I’m proud of helping clients boost engagement, strengthen their brand identity, and solve creative challenges, whether through eye-catching logos, standout packaging, or best-selling apparel designs.

I love collaborating to create work that feels fresh, meaningful, and a little unexpected. If you’re looking for thoughtful and engaging design, I’d love to connect!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was letting others box me into one creative path. Early on, I felt pressure to choose between design, illustration, and fine art, thinking I needed to focus on just one. But I’ve realized that embracing multiple interests actually makes me a stronger and more versatile creative.

Being able to blend skills from different areas allows me to approach projects in unique ways and solve problems more effectively. Now, I embrace being more than one thing—it’s what sets me apart and makes me an asset in any creative role.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative person is getting to take an idea and turn it into something that connects with people. It’s a huge thrill when something I’ve made makes someone smile, sparks a memory, or even changes their perspective. There’s just something magical about seeing your work come to life and knowing it’s having an impact.

I also love the constant evolution—every project is an opportunity to try something new, experiment, and grow. The best part is that I’m always learning, pushing myself, and diving into different creative challenges. I find it really exciting and inspiring!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://claireshadomy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claireshadomy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-shadomy-9b836aa7/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsaladdays

Image Credits

Headshot-Rachel Bennett