Meet Claire Lee-carter | Illustrator of Maps, Books, & People
We had the good fortune of connecting with Claire Lee-carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Claire, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had finally achieved my dream of working in animation after years of dedication, but I couldn’t shake the urge to start something of my own—to be my own boss. While still working my 9-to-5, I explored different side businesses and loved the process of building something from the ground up. But none of them were in art, which was my true passion.
When I made the decision to leave the animation industry and step away from the security of a full-time job, I went all in on myself and my art. I had the creative skills, and by then, I had also built a strong foundation in business. Growing my own work has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I’ve never looked back.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about storytelling—whether through hand-drawn Journey Maps that capture life’s most meaningful moments or illustrations that bring books and characters to life. What sets my work apart is the personal touch I infuse into every piece. I don’t just create art; I capture memories, emotions, and milestones in a way that makes people feel seen and celebrated.
Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the artist and business owner I am now. I started in the animation industry, achieving what I once thought was my dream. But deep down, I had a pull toward something more—creating my own work, telling my own stories, and having the freedom to bring my vision to life. Taking the leap into entrepreneurship wasn’t just about art; it was about betting on myself.
There were moments of doubt, times when I had no clear roadmap, and seasons where I questioned if I had made the right choice. But I kept going. I leaned on my business knowledge, stayed true to my artistic voice, and trusted that hard work and persistence would lead me where I was meant to be. And it has.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t about having all the answers from the start—it’s about having the courage to begin, to adapt, and to keep moving forward. I want my work to inspire others to chase their dreams, to celebrate their own journeys, and to see the beauty in their stories.
At the heart of my brand is the belief that everyone’s journey is worth commemorating. Whether it’s a couple’s love story, a personal career milestone, or a world brought to life in a book, I pour my heart into making each piece meaningful. My journey as an artist is still unfolding, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. But one thing is certain—I’m creating the kind of art that truly matters to people, and that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d take them on a week-long adventure through some of my favorite spots in LA, starting with Little Tokyo. I’ve been going there since high school, and it never gets old. We’d grab a bowl of ramen from Shinsengumi—hands down the best ramen I’ve had in the country—then stop for boba because that’s always a must. Kinokuniya is a dream for book and art lovers, with its amazing selection of manga, art books, and supplies.
For a mix of shopping and great vibes, we’d head to The Grove and the Farmers Market. The Grove is such a beautiful place to walk around, and it holds a special place in my heart—I used to work at the Barnes & Noble there, which is huge and so nice but also where I made some of my best memories. I’d also grab a movie at the theater and the Farmers Market next door is always buzzing with energy and has something for everyone, from delicious food to unique little shops. And for a relaxed afternoon, the park across the street is perfect for families, dogs, or just unwinding.
When it comes to food, one of my favorite hidden gems is Saucy Greens on Wilshire. Their salads are massive, loaded with fresh ingredients, and filled with delicious combinations you wouldn’t normally think to put in a salad. Healthy, satisfying, and so good!
Of course, there’s so much more to explore in LA, from the beaches to museums to late-night food spots, but these are some of my top picks for an unforgettable trip.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve learned so much from taking Miriam Schulman’s class on building an art business. It has helped me refine both my business knowledge and my artistic skills, focusing them in the right direction. One of the best parts of the experience has been the weekly discussions with my classmates—we hold each other accountable, exchange ideas, and grow together. The sense of community and support has been invaluable, and I’m incredibly grateful for this course and the impact it has had on my journey.
Website: https://claireleecarter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claireleecarterart/
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
