Meet the artist behind our 2025 Christmas card

I took the step into print design for womenswear textiles out of curiosity more than anything and it was a natural fit. Since then I have developed my freelance career, drawing from a really wide array of influences and for a very diverse range of clients – from painting decorative objects for the Fife Arms in Scotland, to illustrating children's books for DK and everything in between! 

Your designs often draw on nature and rural landscapes. How does living in Hampshire influence your creative process?

We live on a working farm in the Hampshire countryside so I'm surrounded by flora and fauna throughout the year. Colour palettes and textures are inspired by the changing colours of the seasons and I am never lost for interesting subject matter – I see patterns wherever I go! 

What was your inspiration for the Schöffel Country Christmas card design, and how did you approach capturing the spirit of the countryside with it?

Our inspiration was the wild British hedgerow and the berries and foliage you might find such as rosehips, ivy, oak and hawthorn. We wanted the birds to very much be alive and part of the scene, hopping onto a branch, or strutting through the undergrowth like you might find in any country lane. 

Can you describe the typical creative process from initial concept sketches to the finished design for your illustrations?

I always start with rough pencil sketches, I tend to work quite prolifically using simple white paper so I’m not precious and the ideas can flow out onto the page.  

After client approval, these then get worked up into more detailed gouache and pencil illustrations – always hand painted. I often use a lightbox to transfer images so I can retain the lively quality of the original drawings. Next these are scanned and digitally edited onto clean, tidy layers without a background.  

Finally they are worked into patterns and designs and a texture or painted background is added.

Schöffel Country is known for combining heritage with innovation. How do you balance traditional rural themes with contemporary style in your work?

No matter what the theme of my painting is, a creative approach to colour and texture is the most important way I keep my work fresh and contemporary. I like to use a mix of traditional media such as paint and pencil or ink which adds texture and life to the linework and details. I often revisit favourite birds and wildflowers while keeping in mind trends in colour and design to make them relevant for different audiences. 

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a pattern designer working across different media like textiles and homewares?

The challenge is to retain your own authentic voice and originality in a sea of hugely talented designers and illustrators. We all make our work very accessible online and on social media which can be a double-edged sword and leave you vulnerable to imitation. 

In truth, working across different media is one of the most enjoyable things about my work, it's interesting and challenging learning how to apply my patterns to different surfaces – it's an entirely different ball game designing illustrations for packaging as opposed to fabric or apparel. 

Have you a favourite piece to date? And if so, what is it?

I was very proud of the illustrations I produced for the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show merchandise this last year – it was such a treat seeing it all in situ when we visited the show!   

As an illustrator with a popular Instagram account, how important is social media in connecting with your audience and influencing your design work?

It’s hugely important for me. It’s not only a portfolio for prospective clients but the community I’ve built over the years has been incredible. It’s useful to have feedback from followers about pieces and colours that capture their interest and imagination. Being a freelance designer can be quite isolating, as I work alone, but I’ve come across lots of lovely creative folk online and in person which has been both helpful and inspiring. 

What advice would you give to aspiring pattern designers who want to draw inspiration from nature and traditional crafts?

I would say first and foremost draw from nature, as there’s nothing quite like capturing detail from life. Next, be a sponge and connect and steep yourself in the rich array of design and artists accounts out there. I have a real passion for ceramics and the decorative arts, and the influences I have explored hopefully come through in my work. I also think daily practice is really the only way to develop as an artist. 

Finally, are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about that you can share with us?

I’m thrilled with my new watercolour colouring book ‘Rainforest Watercolor’ which was only released a few weeks ago and which would make the perfect creative gift! I also have a new collection of quilting fabrics called ‘Tapestry’ for Windham Fabrics which have an heirloom vibe and are being released in the new year. I have one very exciting project in the pipeline but it's under wraps till it's released and I mainly work months if not years ahead with designs, so you'll have to stay tuned! I post quite a lot on Instagram (@claretheresegray), so do follow along to keep up to date with new projects. 

To learn more about Clare’s work, visit www.claretherese.com