We’re ecstatic to introduce our newest Project Manager, Hannah Shanker! Hannah (She/Her) is joining our Clique after an impressive career in the experiential art world (+ much, much more). As a creative powerhouse, Hannah is bringing a fresh dose of artistic inspiration to our team. We’re pretty pumped, if you can’t tell. 

A headshot of a woman with silver-blonde hair and tattoos

 

Here’s a little bit more from our conversation. 

What brought you to Clique?

“Short answer is: you. (Aly! Hi, I’m writing this. Hannah and I used to work together!)

Long answer: I knew I wanted to continue to work in some version of a creative field but was ready for a change and craving an environment where I could be a part of a larger team. I joke that  I’m “nosy” but really I’m just innately curious and want to learn a little bit about everything so Clique’s diversity of clients was a huge draw for me.

I care very deeply about what I’m doing and who I am doing it with and it’s really hard for me to work in a space where people don’t feel similarly. It was abundantly clear from what I heard from you and during my interview process that people at Clique have the same mindset.” 

Describe your professional journey before joining Clique.

“All I knew by the time I was graduating college was that I wanted to do something where I could be creative and analytical, but had no clue what that could be. I am an artist but I knew I didn’t want that to be my primary job because promoting myself/being the center of attention is my nightmare and I was afraid of burn out. I just knew I wanted to work in a creative field from the backend.

I ended up taking a job at an (at the time) pop-up interactive art experience and then it became permanent and I was there for around 5 years. I started as a Production Assistant and worked my way up to Creative Project and Exhibits Manager and worked on the build out and regular refreshing of 4 locations.

During that time I worked in a lot of different roles along with my PM position. Social media manager, in-house photographer, programming, reputation management, community engagement, floor staff training, literally installing exhibits… the list goes on and on. I managed some wild initiatives like with a world wide scavenger hunt for Rick and Morty and a TV show appearance with Killer Mike, created a sound identity for the brand by doing a deep dive on the science of music in public spaces, and worked with a ton of incredible local and national artists. 

I ended up moving to another niche art organization, which was truly baptism by fire and involved even more manual labor (there’s been a shocking amount of that in my career). It took me on a 12-city tour and introduced me to a new slew of artists all around the country. 

And now, Clique!

Outside of work I am still a fiber artist (punch needle and embroidery on photos) and a photographer. I call myself a “practical creative,” I like to be in places where I can use my creativity without risking too much artistic burn out and balance it with my love for structure and problem-solving. That’s really how I ended up as a PM in creative spaces — I am an artistic control freak.” 

a printed photo of the sign of an ice cream show "The Freeze." The photo has been decoratively embroidered. a printed photo of the sign of an ice cream show "The Freeze." The photo has been decoratively embroidered.

What are you most excited about being here?

“The two main things are: getting to learn about so many different organizations and being a part of a team. I’m only 3 weeks in and I already feel so welcomed and comfortable and I’m excited about the work we’re doing. 

I like to joke that I’m a professional cheerleader for people minus the athleticism. I just love hearing people talk about their passions and figuring out how I can support them, even if it isn’t something that I’d necessarily seek out on my own. So I think, both internally and with clients, I’ll do really well connecting with our work and the people involved.”

What did you want to be growing up?

“I wanted to be a music supervisor or a set designer for film and television. Also a photographer. I was a concert photographer in high school and college. For a period of time I wanted to make a career out of that.” 

Current obsession? 

“My dog, always. 

Her name is Margot — I actually got her 6 years ago today! She’s been good for me because she’s not an easy dog. She’s reactive and nervous and that has helped me look inward to control my own anxiety because mine triggers hers. I’m such a non-confrontational person and having her has taught me how to be productively confrontational and really advocate for her needs and my own. She also lets me dress her up in coordinating outfits and costumes which, turns out, is an important trait for any dog of mine to have.

She’s 70 pounds but thinks she’s 5 pounds. She wants nothing more than to snuggle. She’s so funny and absolutely ridiculous. And she always can tell when I hop on a call because that’s when she decides to start loudly eating behind me or smacking me with her giant paws just off camera. She’s really just the love of my life.

A brown and white dog with a pink cowboy hat and bandana

I have followed Margot’s personal instagram for years, I can confirm she is the cutest dog ever. 

As for other obsessions…

I am obsessed with finding all of the farm sanctuaries in the United States so I can hug cows. I have very strict parameters, it has to be somewhere ethical. I’m not going somewhere where they force the animals to interact. I prefer a place that has cow hug therapy, but I’ll be okay if not. I’ve been to two so far and burst into (happy) tears immediately both times, which is very cool, calm, and collected of me. 

A woman with silver blonde hair sitting with her back against a resting cow that is enjoying getting pet on the head.

Every year I force my family to do a battle of the bagels, so finding the best bagel in Chicago is a mission I take seriously (According to Hannah, Holey Dough & Co is the best!) I also did a ‘Chicago Pretzel Report’ series for a while. I’m realizing I have a lot of strong opinions on food that I just assume people want to hear.”

What was the last book you recommended?

“I’m actually on a reading journey. I was a huge reader when I was younger but then I kinda fell off and would only read a couple books a year. This year I am back in business and my goal is to read 35. I don’t know what I would recommend! I’m currently reading Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain and have dabbled in and enjoyed all sorts of genres. I’m open to suggestions — throw them my way!” 

What does your ideal weekend look like? 

“I am the self-proclaimed number one fan of the Logan Square Farmers Market so when it’s in season, you can probably find me there. Unless it’s too hot out in which case I will likely be reading, going to some sort of niche event, or taking a nap with Margot.

I’m rolling my eyes at myself saying this, but I am a later-in-life ‘foodie.’ I try to go to as many spots as I can, though I have my favorites that I tend to go back to. Chicago is really just the best, there’s always something to do. I’ve been here 12 years and I’m still finding new things daily.”

If you could master one skill/hobby you don’t currently have, what would it be?

“I am an artist, but I am terrible at drawing and painting. For better or worse, I was born with the delusion I can teach myself to do anything. But that comes with unreasonable amounts of stress when I don’t immediately nail something. That’s been an uphill battle. 

So, I would love to learn, I think it would help with my other art practices.”

By the end of 2025 I want to _______?

“I would like to get back to making art regularly.

I was so burnt out for a while that I fell off my personal art practice, so that’s what I’ll be working on.” 

Now that you’re here, we’ve got your back! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll create.