INSTRUCTOR PROFILE

ABOUT CLAUDINE

Claudine is an artist and illustrator who enjoys combining her drawings with happy patterns to create quirky, retro-whimsical artworks that she licenses to the gift, home, and craft markets. In her 12 years as a full time illustrator, she has been featured in The New York Times and appeared on The Martha Stewart Show, HGTV, and The DIY Network. Her client list includes projects with major companies like Smart Car, Capitol Records, and national publications such as The Saturday Evening Post.

Claudine recently launched an exclusive paper crafting line with The Home Shopping Network and continues to make live appearances on air with each new product release. In 2008, she developed a product line with Ranger Industries, called Claudine Hellmuth Studio, of high-quality craft paints, mediums, and canvas. She has also written three books and produced three DVDs, all centering on art and collage techniques that she teaches in her workshops.

Originally from Orlando, Florida, Claudine now lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Paul, and their very spoiled pets.

CONNECT WITH NAME

FAVORITE QUOTE

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

—MARY OLIVER

NAME ANSWERS THE FIVE W's

Who are you?

I'm Claudine Hellmuth! I'm 38! I love animals and I love to make things! And I love to use exclamation points!!!

What do you believe with all of your heart?

That everyone is creative!

When did you get your start?

I began my career as a full time artist in 2001 when I got laid off from my day job as a website designer. But my art career goes all the way back to toddlerhood when I would play with finger paints, then in grade school and high school when I took after-school art lessons, and finally in college where I got my BFA degree.

Where do you go to be inspired?

I read, I watch movies, I nap! All the usual stuff. I think the most important thing when I am feeling uninspired is to get off the Internet and stop comparing myself and my work to other people, get in my cocoon, and know that the inspiration will come again!

Why are you here at BPC?

I love BPC, it's a great place to be able to share my classes and get to stay at home at the same time! I love being able to connect with students through the online class format. I've created real, lasting connections with many of my students, that even years after my first class with BPC, we are still in touch! I love that!

How do you do everything you do?

Even though I love to nap, I do work long hours. One of the (tiny) drawbacks of working from home means that I work pretty much all the time. It's rare I take a day off, but when you love what you do, that's not so bad at all!