About
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0221/3560/3280/files/self_portrait_04-2020_v2.png?v=1604336829)
Hello there, my name is Claire Parks! ♡
I'm the artist and designer behind Claire Was a Bear, a brand that specializes in cute, charming, and whimsical things for the child in all of us - young and old. Initially taking the form of enamel pins and plush toys, the line has subsequently grown from its outset, gravitating towards everyday items made in a more environmentally-conscious way. Adorable creatures, food, spookiness, and nature are themes I particularly enjoy exploring in my work, and the message I intend to convey is the value of embracing your true self and honoring your imperfections.![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0221/3560/3280/files/inspirations_2.png?v=1604337307)
What started out as an avid collection of both plushies and pins has since blossomed into designing my own products, born of a desire to share my love of these things with the world. Now that I've begun, my enthusiasm for making things knows no bounds! I hope to continue expanding my range of offerings to include a greater variety of daily accoutrements that exude both a care for the environment, and a special vim and flair; just because it's good for the planet doesn't mean it has to be bland!
My inner child also delights in, treasures, and reverently admires picture books. I have felt drawn to create them since the verdant days of my youth; a further exuberance with which I dream of furnishing the world.
Aside from the aforementioned passions, I've always been tremendously fond of miniatures. I soundly relish setting up and curating tiny scenes and snapshots, decorating dollhouses, and just looking at or holding itty-bitty things. There's a certain charm in translating something to a diminutive scale. I also adore washi tape, extrinsic art supplies, and erasers shaped like food...but I digress.
Home schooling and several cross country moves filled my childhood, so I grew up all over the place, but these days I've settled in Colorado with a view of the mountains. I love animals and currently cohabitate with a chihuahua named Gemma*, and a cat named Noodle (or Lord Parmesan, if it's after 5 PM).
I perennially deal with fairly severe fatigue, and occasionally struggle keeping my mental health afloat, but I try to remain positive and search for joy in all of the jumbled moments of my experience. It seems that jubilance and beauty are everywhere, just waiting to be discovered. A world where birds can have blue feet must be good!
Inspiration finds me among the little things in life.
*Gemma is most often referred to as Little Bean or just The Bean; she commands many nicknames