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

Alright, Clark thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

In high school, I excelled at math and science and was considering studying engineering, but ultimately was most interested in photography. During my undergraduate studies, I became interested in printmaking, another artform that involves equipment and technology. While working in museums, I became interested in exhibition design followed by interior design, another creative practice that is also highly technical. I’m still figuring out what my dream jobs is, the problem being that I’m interested in too many things, but I plan on continuing to walk the line between art and design.

Clark, 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’ve been an artist since I was a child, but became interested in interior design while working in museums. I saw the work that the exhibition design team was doing and decided to return to study towards a graduate degree in interior design. I chose a program that was focused on sustainability. I still make artwork, both my own designs as well as custom requests, but most of my recent professional work has been in interior design. In addition to working with clients to bring their unique visions to life I am guided by aspects of sustainability including environmental responsibility, biophilic design, human health, and well-being.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think that it’s no wonder that so many people in my generation suffer from imposter syndrome. I recall in a previous roll, after recently completing a graduate degree in interior design, a senior designer told me, “if you really want to be an interior designer, you have to…” I don’t recall what they said I had to do, but the implication was that I wasn’t really an interior designer, or at least not yet. In future roles, both teaching and at design firms, I’ve been a champion of supportive work environments and have done my best to instill confidence in my peers.

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

It’s rare for an artist or designer to make a living exclusively through the sale of their work or services. At the very least, it’s rare for someone to acquire a steady stream of clients overnight. Most often, it takes time to build that sort of momentum, and creatives rely upon other work to make ends meet while pursuing their creative work. I encourage employers to consider creative people for a variety of roles, including strategy and leadership. We’re not just people who draw, paint, write, and act for fun. We are people who think differently and can use that different way of thinking to bring about positive organizational change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://clarkrendall.com
• Instagram: @clarkrendall
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/clarkrendall/