I'm a big fan of all of the amazing independent designers out there. In an effort to get inside the mind of the indie designer and find out just what makes all of these creative types tick, I present to you an ongoing segment I call Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's interview is with Claudine Hellmuth, a nationally recognized collage artist, author and illustrator. She creates quirky, retro-inspired mixed media collages, including custom commissioned artworks.

Tell me a little about your work. I am an artist, author and illustrator. I create custom artworks for clients using their photos of themselves, their kids and their pets. I weave them into a collage artwork. I would say my look is whimsical with a retro twist. I have also written a couple books about my techniques and filmed 3 DVD workshops. And I create illustrations for various companies for greeting cards, calendars and advertisements etc.

How did you get started as an artist? I have been an artist all my life. I went to art college and graduated with my BFA in fine Art in 1997. After I graduated I knew I had to get some sort of day job and the internet was just really starting out then, so I learned HTML and got a job designing web sites. I did that to pay the bills meanwhile building my art career on the side in the evenings and on weekends. I got laid off from my web job in 2001 and have been working for myself ever since! I was actually so worn out from working both my day job and for my art that by the time I got laid off I was relieved!

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves?
beauty: bare minerals make up and my proactiv system!
fashion: a great pair of jeans!! What inspires your work? I love looking at retro illustrations from the 50's. Love the use of color and line!

Who are your favorite designers (mainstream or indie)? On the indie side, set me loose on Etsy and I will be clicking around oohhing and ahhing for days! For mainstream, I really enjoy the illustrations of Lauren Child and Sara Fanelli. Both have wonderful collage styles that are fresh and unique.

Any advice you would give to aspiring design entrepreneurs? I would say, don't feel that it has to be all or nothing. Stay at your day job and build your business bit by bit each and every day. Try to do one thing each day that moves your business forward. Whether that is sending an email, researching places to show your work, etc etc. Then before you know it you'll be leaving that day job behind!

Where can people find your work?
on my web site: www.collageartist.com
my blog: claudinehellmuth.blogspot.com

Anything else?
I filmed an episode of Martha Stewart show which of course I am really proud of. You can watch the clip here.