Page 13 - The Digital Cloth - Issue 5

walking.
“I’m lucky to live in Perth, a city that has a
coastline of beautiful beaches and lots of
areas of natural bushland close to where I
live. I love to take photos of plants, animals
and things of interest when I’m out exploring
and then sketch from these images. Plus the
light and colours of Australia have undoubtedly
influenced me as I love to use bright, strong
colours in my work. I love to take these items
and create playful, happy surface designs that
are full of colour, layers and texture.”
Clare has a strong theoretical background in
surface design, having completed a Diploma of
Surface Design from the International School
of Colour and Design in Sydney, the
internationally recognised Make it in Design
e-course, and a 20-year career in fashion and
graphic design. And, since launching Clare
Martin Designs in 2019, she’s been busy
producing designs for the commercial market.
Clare says likes to keep abreast of what is
trending, but is selective about the direction
she takes for her commercial work.
“If I’m not inspired by the latest trend then I’ll
move on; I have to be interested in the work
I’m creating,” she said.
Of course like so many artists before her,
Clare walks the well-trodden line of
remaining true to her individual style and
aesthetic, while ensuring her work is
commercially viable, a challenge she
navigates in every design.
One current trend that Clare is keen to build
on, is the use of hand-drawn patterns and
natural fabrics.
“I have always loved fibrous, organic
materials and love the character and
individuality you can achieve in hand-drawn
patterns,” she said.
“I think in our current global situation,
people are yearning for ‘simple’, ‘sustainable’
and ‘heartfelt’, and I predict that sentiment