We recently connected with Hannah Clotz and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, 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 learned most of my design skills from my professors at Kent State University, like hierarchy and composition and type setting. Learning graphic was a very slow process for me at first. I figured that since I have been drawing and painting my whole life that it would all just come naturally to me, which was really foolish when I think about it now. If I had been more open to learning and broadening my horizons right away rather than sticking in my ways, I would have grasped the techniques and principles more quickly. One obstacle that was out of my control was the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and half of 2021. Having to take graphic design classes online created a stark disconnect between me and the material. I found that perseverance was most essential in this situation because I want to keep doing what I am most passionate about and continue to grow my skillset.

Hannah, 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?

I am currently a senior at KSU studying Visual Communication Design, but I was born and raised in Amherst, Ohio. I have been into design and art since I was very young, drawing and painting nearly every day to keep my skills sharp. I got more into design when I started college, specifically typography and logo design. Most of my time is spent working on projects in my various classes, but I also work for Fusion magazine. Fusion is KSU’s LGBTQ+ magazine and the only student-led LGBTQ+ magazine in Northeast Ohio. I started there in the latter half of my sophomore year as a designer and illustrator, then promoted to art director at the beginning of my junior year and I have held that position ever since. I am responsible for a team of designers and illustrators who produce designs for web stories and print issue. I also decide the overall theme for the print issue, such as the type system and color scheme, while making sure everything appropriately represents the magazine’s brand and identity. I am very proud of the work I do with the Fusion team. It feels good knowing that my work helps people to find a safe space for their identity. Fusion is about to reach its 20th anniversary in 2023 and I hope that we can continue to broaden the audience and spread awareness.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being in a creative field is seeing the impact my work has on others. Especially seeing how my work with Fusion is able to inspire people in the community and help others learn more about it is so awesome to see. It’s nice to be able to inspire people as others have inspired me and my work. It’s also really cool to physically hold my work in my hands. My field, especially during the pandemic, mostly produces digital assets usually for websites and social medias sites. Fusion producing a physical magazine is one of my favorite things about designing with them. Seeing your work culminate into one cohesive physical package is one of the most satisfying feelings on this planet that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My main goal in my creative journey is just to learn as much as I can in any field. My classes have helped me to gain a lot of confidence in my typography and layout skills. I would really like to improve my illustration skills in both editorial and branding aspects. I always just strive to be at the top of my game no matter what.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hclotz1.wixsite.com/clotzportfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah_design.png/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-clotz-7249a2204/

Image Credits
K Bodrock