Claire Sedovic
11/30/2022
Sedovic illustrated children’s book “Odd Animal ABC’s” by June Smalls.
Claire Sedovic feels fortunate to embark on a dual role in her art career. She’s currently a visiting professor of graphic design at Drake University, teaches kids painting classes and taught at Grand View the past summer. Her second artist role is a freelance graphic illustrator, creating art out of her studio at Mainframe Studios.
Sedovic became familiar with Mainframe Studios as she was the third artist to occupy Drake’s alumni studio. Her freelance illustrations include her favorite medium — watercolors.
“There’s so many nuances to it. The colors can be super-saturated, and it’s fun to use,” she explains.
She illustrated a children’s book called “Odd Animal ABC’s.” Author June Smalls wrote the book, while she illustrated the unique animals. The collaboration with the author offered Sedovic a creative say in the design.
Sedovic’s artwork is often inspired by favorite childhood memories, translating into whimsical and vibrant pieces.
“The author would write out notes and ideas on the page. It was fulfilling to have a connection with the author,” she says.
Sedovic laid out the book’s design in addition to the illustrations.
“As I laid out the pages and text, it allowed me autonomy with the book. Since I have an interest in both mediums, I could easily integrate the two — art and design together.”
This wasn’t her first book. Her parents encouraged her love of reading and visits to the library. She recalls an Eric Carle book, which was her favorite.
“I wrote a sequel to it when I was 3 and a half years old,” she laughs. “I was always interested in art.”
Her favorite art pieces stem from memories of her own childhood. Artwork is translated into child-like whimsical pieces and vibrant colors.
Sedovic illustrated these cat yoga poses for a class.
“I love the children’s book audience. There’s a lot of playfulness to do it well. You have to put that in the mindset of being a kid,” she explains. “It’s gratifying to come back to that playful experience.”
She teaches watercolor to young students and adults at select times at Mainframe Studios. She enjoys all ages, but says it’s fun to see kids create.
“So many adults get frustrated. Kids are uninhibited.”
Teaching college students is a fulfilling part of her career.
“It’s gratifying for me to be on the flipside and to see others experience that a-ha moment and see their progress,” she reflects.
She encourages her college design students to dream big. She recounts how she took the plunge from a stint in the corporate design world to becoming a freelance illustrator and designer.
“I always wanted to do something with art. I quit my corporate job because it was unfulfilling. It wasn’t a consideration for me whether I got paid or not. I was fortunate when I made a leap when I did,” she says.
In the classroom, she tells students that the world of art and design is wide.
“It’s widening. Don’t hold back because you think you’re not talented enough. There’s always space to do more — to do art. Des Moines has a thriving art culture, and I’m here to support that,” she says.
She enjoys the summers off from teaching so she can work on her personal art and commissioned pieces. She’s in the process of illustrating another children’s book.
“There’s an ebb and flow to children’s book design. It’s gratifying when someone connects with a piece of my art. I feel lucky I get to come and make art. That’s what I love most. I appreciate the connection to the community,” she says.
