Claudia Teng
Q What do you do?
“I am a digital designer who enjoys working with fashion, beauty, lifestyle, music, and entertainment brands. I also make 3D avatars for fun :)”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I studied international business & psychology in university, and after graduating, I worked in digital advertising for a few years before transitioning into design. I took the Squarespace Design Course as well as DesignLab, and a Digital Arts & Animation class at Catalyst Berlin.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
As someone who grew up in Asia and later immigrated to America / Europe, I have a blend of influences from the East and the West. Combined with my education in business & psychology with my work experiences in digital advertising & design, I love designing cute brands with a strategic approach and blend of cultural influences.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am working on a branding project for a luxury jewelry brand and website designs for artists and fashion entrepreneurs.
Q What’s your style?
My style is contemporary, minimal and feminine. Dreamy, soft, doll-like, Petra Collins / Euphoria / Sofia Coppola vibes <3
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Learning how to use super technical 3D & interactive programs like Unreal Engine, TouchDesigner.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Keeping up with all the technological softwares and platforms in 3D, AR, AI, etc. Also, dealing with taxes while working & living in different countries.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Keep track of my daily finances & help me with investing in stocks, ETFs, crypto, etc.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.” ― Ira Glass
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Learning how to invest in crypto and other financial investments, as that gives me such a headache!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking to work with female creatives and entrepreneurs for brand & web design projects. I would love to work with people who are open to innovative ideas and not afraid to take risks.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My dream clients are in the following industries: Fashion, Beauty, Wellness, Jewelry / Accessories, Artists / Creatives / Musicians, and Female Entrepreneurs. I love helping and connecting with female creatives and entrepreneurs as they inspire me in so many ways. Also, my favorite color palette is leaning towards feminine, often in pink, lilac, pastel blue, and nudes.
Q What is your rate?
Branding ranges from $1500-$5,000+ depending on the package and details.
Website design ranges from $3,000-$5,000+ depending on which platforms (Squarespace/Shopify), the number of pages, and complexity of design.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can contact me at hi@clau-dee.com ♥
Q Who is a creative you admire?
AndWalsh, Ro&Co, Leslie David, Little Troop, Studio Nari, Elise Rigolet, ilovecreatives, The Digi Fairy, chloegrienenberger, and Softer.Insta.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Research & absorb other creative mediums such as art, illustrations, print, films, installations, music, performances, etc! I’m also always looking at Pinterest, Are.na, and going to museums.
This member profile was originally published in May 2024.