Q&A: Claire Xue

We’re so pumped to be sharing this amazing Q&A with our dear friend Claire Xue. This creative lady is a multi-talented individual that we’re so grateful to have met last year at a local influencer and conference event in San Francisco called Femme Fair. We were completely fascinated by her work in set design, styling, and photography. Elle ended up featuring her for one of our inspiration posts which you can read here.

One of my favorite things about Claire’s work is the way she executes her vision. Her larger than life props add that special element to any photograph or space she may be designing. Some of these props include columns, cylinders, circles, triangles, and blob-like shapes. I also love that she’s not afraid of color in any way. Her instagram is a whole mood board on its own. I hope that she inspires you that way she inspires us.

tell us about yourself and how you got started.

For experiential design, it started accidentally, and I wasn't planning to design for experiences. It all started when my best friend and I wanted to throw a great party and provide the best experience we could back in 2016. We decided to throw the most memorable event for our friends. It's called Friendsgiving Friendaversy. It turned out so great that other people started to ask me to design their events.

what drew you to experiential/set design and photography?

The ability to make your idea and vision come to life in a physical space. The fact that my work has brought over thousands of people who share the same mission or goals that make me feel so fulfilled.

what does your creative process look like and how has that changed over time?

I think my creative process started with inspirations like many other designers. However, I don't just look for inspiration when I get a project. I save inspiration everyday. So when the right project comes along, I will be able to execute it quickly. It hasn't changed since I first started. I always begin with defining the concept with the clients, I listen to what clients want for the event, and then I take elements from my inspiration and put it together. Finally, I transform the ideas into my design.

are there any challenges or setbacks that come with your line of work?

Yes, of course. There are many setbacks on the road. For instance, a potential client I've talked with for a few weeks didn't end up going with me recently. I was bummed out about it. Till today, I still struggle with having a space to work on my build-outs and where to store my inventory. I think that is a big part of this line of work; it requires a bigger space to work on your projects, and I live in SF where space is so limited. If you have any ideas to help solve my issues or if you have space and would like to partner with me, please let me know.

where do you draw inspiration from? any thoughts on remaining unique in your field?  

Remaining unique would be to not do exactly what other people in the same field do. I consistently look at other creatives in my area but avoid doing the same things or the same designs. It is better to draw your inspiration from a different field. For instance, if you are a photographer instead of drawing inspiration from your peers, you could get inspired by visiting an art or fashion exhibition, or watching dance performances and movies, etc.

what has been the proudest moment of your career?

I recently filed my first LLC. It is the most exciting yet the scariest thing I've done.

how do you deal with moments of self-doubt or when facing a creative block?

Self-doubt is real. I think everyone struggles with it to some degree, no matter what stage of business you are in. I think it’s natural to have that feeling. But keep on doing what are you doing and pushing through the self-doubt. I think taking a break from what I’m doing and hanging out with my favorite people has helped me get out of my creative blocks. Sometimes the best idea comes from when you feel relaxed, and when you change your perspective and the environment you are in.

any advice for young creatives wanting to break into the experiential or set design industry?

I think to get as many hands-on experiences as you can. I know I learn tons of things every time I do any project. Also being willing to take on non-paid experiences at the beginning to get your name out there.

do you have any future projects coming up that you could share with us?

Yes, I am in the process planning of my first LLC that is oriented around experiential design as well as physical products, which would help a lot of small businesses.

if you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I don't know if I have one song that I would like to listen to for the rest of my life, just like I don't have food I would eat for the rest of my life.

thank you claire!

We hope you enjoyed our eighth Q&A. To learn more about Claire, check out her social media links below:

Instagram: @clairexue.
Website: Claire Xue

Is it the weekend yet?
Arabela