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Clare Lei senses she is on the right career track, but a recent affirmation has given her some extra assurance.

The graphic design student's name and artistry are featured on the postcard promoting the fall 2020 juried student exhibition happening virtually at the YC Prescott Art Gallery through Jan. 9. Her simple, but clear, bold design was the winner of the postcard contest in Professor Lauren McCrea's graphic design class this semester.

Clare was almost as happy to win as she was to create the design, one of two she submitted for the contest. "It was a lot of fun just to do it. I got to share that with my family and friends. I'm definitely going to put it in my portfolio."

Clare often submits more than one design for class assignments. "When you enjoy doing something, you don't really mind doing extra work."

Clare has been drawing and even illustrating her own books since she was a young girl and took graphic design and photography in high school, as well as served on the yearbook staff. But when she graduated in 2008 – in the midst of the Great Recession -- she opted to pursue what she and her parents considered a more practical career in the healthcare industry.

"I wasn't very happy with that. There wasn't a creative outlet so I decided to get back into graphic design."

Clare got back into it when she and her fiancé, Gregg Hansen, moved to Prescott Valley from Washington state so Gregg could enroll in YC's aerospace science program. Lucky for Clare, YC also has a respected visual art program. "I just kind of started taking classes and figuring it out a long the way. I've loved all the classes I've taken so far."

Although she works full time, Clare is carrying a full load of classes this semester. With the help of two art scholarships, she plans to graduate in the spring and continue studying graphic design at Arizona State University. She aspires to one day work in marketing.

Clare said the YC art department has given her a good foundation to launch her career dreams. "I've learned so much. I don't think you can learn as much watching YouTube videos. Getting help from the professors is really valuable. And I like that my professors have real world experience. I've found that super helpful."

The future marketing guru doesn't regret changing her career path after years of investment in another industry. "I had to do what I did to make sure this (graphic design) is definitely what I wanted to do." She has some advice for others who sense they're on the wrong path and want to get on the right one.

"Just do it. Time is going to pass regardless. You should do something that's going to make you happy."