Meet Chloe Rounce | Artist & Product Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chloe Rounce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chloe, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Don’t pursue a creative path because you will end up as a ‘struggling artist.’ Outside of educational art spaces like my college, the Rhode Island School of Design, I’ve faced a lot of older individuals advising me not to pursue a job in art and design because of the risk of making too little money to support myself. Although other majors that are more traditional such as business or pre-med tracks can lead to specific and sometimes more predictable careers, I don’t think that studying these subjects without passion and curiosity will be fulfilling. Money is important, of course, but I want to enjoy working in an unconventional space and exercise my craft. I think finding a balance is so important and making sure you have things to look forward to when working. Additionally, I think that people underestimate how much money there is in art and design. There are so many jobs that people didn’t consider need creativity and the skills of artists. Sometimes artists and designers solve problems in unusual ways or have very different perspectives. I know it can be easier said than done, but don’t limit yourself because of the stereotypes of the art field. It will be hard work like many other careers, but if it is what will make you happy, it is so worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My mom tells me I always loved drawing with crayons since I was a toddler, so I guess it began early on in my life. I’ve always gravitated towards art, especially since my family moved around a lot while growing up. I think it was something I was consistently passionate and curious about, inspired by art museums and the cultures of the places I lived in. It also felt like an outlet for me or something to lean on. When we moved to Texas for the second time, I entered middle school. During my 8th grade year, we discovered a magnet arts school in Houston and decided it was a great opportunity for me to pursue a focus in fine arts alongside my academics. It was the best decision I had ever made. In this school, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, I was able to explore a vast array of materials and practices. One semester I took a class in MIG welding, and another I took textiles and sewing. I loved it, even though it was a struggle to balance the workload of my art classes and AP classes. With continued interest in art, without any idea of what career I wanted, I applied to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). I was accepted in 2022 and decided to move to Providence to study, as I fell in love with the school upon visiting. After my first year, I struggled to narrow down my interests and declare my major, so I chose Industrial Design because of its versatility. The great thing about Industrial Design is that you can play in all fields– apparel, furniture, graphic design, cosmetics, UI/UX, etc. I have my product design practice, but I still keep my fine arts practice on the side as well. I love having both sides to myself. Sometimes art and design are pitted against each other or kept in separate worlds. I think it’s fun to be able to make physical objects, especially through woodworking, as well as return to traditional fine arts like painting or drawing. RISD has challenged me in so many ways, but it has been worth it.

If I were to give advice, I would say the best way to overcome challenges is to accept your failures. As a designer, you can’t always create the most perfect products, so try to view each project as a way to exercise growth in a new area. The projects that I felt were not my best or ‘failures’ in a way were the ones I learned the most. As for my brand and story, I’m honestly still discovering what I am interested in and the avenues of design that I will pursue. I will have to get back to you on that one.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My friends and I love visiting hole-in-the-wall food spots, like Aleppo Sweets or Palo. These restaurants are small, but so cozy and have shareable plates that are perfect for friends. I also love the vintage shops in Providence. Some of them are a good walk, but worth it. I cycle between Nostalgia Antiques, Rocket to Mars, and Halls on Broadway. They have things you would never think of. I’ve also heard of a few spots called Thrifty Goose and The Nest, but I have yet to visit them. Wickenden Street is pretty iconic for food and antique stores. Providence is quite small, but lively in the spring and summer. The canal is so beautiful and Providence does WaterFire throughout the fall, which is when fires are lit along the canal with fire dancers, food trucks, and little vendor stalls. Finally, I would visit the RISD Museum and the Providence Athenaeum for its history. The museum at RISD is larger than you think and has quite a big collection, and my favorite spot is the costume and textiles center where you can get very close to and see clothing pieces from different eras.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My number one supporters have been my parents. They have honestly sacrificed so much for my education and our family. My mom and dad never doubted me pursuing an artistic career for one moment. Although I get stressed sometimes or feel overwhelmed, I’m always reminded of the opportunities that I have, and I’m so grateful. My friends and teachers in high school and college have also consistently cared about my growth in my artistic pursuits. I wouldn’t have been able to learn new skills or processes without their input, encouragement, and inspiration.

Website: https://www.chloerounce.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-rounce-851352292