Graphic Design Teacher
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Claire Hamilton

With 20 years experience in graphic design, brand strategy and creative, Claire Hamilton has worked in Brisbane, London and Stuttgart in brand development & strategy, graphic design and print. Over the last 14 years, she’s not only run an award-winning creative studio of her own, but she’s completed a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at Griffith also nabbing the highest course grade in marketing. Claire lives and breathes design and creative while being driven by business strategy.

What do you love about design?

I love that design can create change no matter how big or small. You constantly improve the world one project at a time.

Why do you teach?

I find teaching others rewarding; it’s energising because I feel good when I’m helping others. It’s inspiring because you see people learning new things; it is a vulnerable position to be in and when you help people learn, you see what they can achieve when they really throw their passion into it. If I can make that happen, then that makes me feel great too.

Tell us about your design career outside of Shillington.

After I graduated in 2000 I was lucky enough to get a job in a design studio where I learned that studio life was really interesting and diverse. A few years later, I started work at a printer where I learned that speed and cost efficiency was sometimes a client’s priority over the value of design. It was a good reality check in understanding the broader needs, mentality and limitations of some businesses. While learning to be fast and accurate was invaluable, it also amplified my desire to educate people and businesses about the value of design and how it can positively impact the bottom line. After learning what my own values were as a designer, I worked even more passionately in branding and design studios in Brisbane and London for a few more years. I then returned to Brisbane to start my own creative studio which has now been running for 14 years.

What or who are you loving right now?

My 2 year old. I know this question is likely asking who/what am I loving in design right now, but my son inspires me. He’s my world and I love that I’m able to teach him about everything. He brings me into the present and really makes me think about the world from a different perspective… The patterns on the wings of butterflies, the varying colours of leaves, what it feels like when you look up at trees on a windy day. Not to mention, I’m getting to know all my neighbours on our daily walks and I have something we can all relate to… a funny little kid who can break the ice with anyone. He shows me all the little things that we all consider insignificant but these are the things that refuel creativity.

If you were a typeface, what would you be?

“A Love of Thunder” (Bold, Sans, All Caps, Decay/Texture), Firstly I love a good thunderstorm so the name appeals. Secondly, I can be strong and determined but I’m also perfectly imperfect and on occasion be a bit thick.

What’s your favourite blog?

To be honest, I don’t have one because… I just don’t have time! Too busy looking at bugs in the garden with my kidlet.