Today we’d like to introduce you to Shea O’Connor.
Hi Shea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always enjoyed illustration and graphic design, even before I knew their names or knew that a creative career was even a thing. I would shut myself in my room, watch vintage films, and draw for hours (I still do this tbh). When I got accepted to the University of Georgia in 2008, I waffled between majors from journalism to nursing, but nothing felt right. I would see the art kids walk by with their portfolios, and something unlocked in my brain. “I could do that! I already do that!” I walked around the art school, looking at student work hanging in the hallways, and gravitated towards the graphic design section. The idea of creating art that functioned in the real world—something that I could share with others as a helpful tool—was super appealing. It was also a really competitive program to get into, and I love me a challenge, so I went for it.
After graduating, I interned at an animation studio, Primal Screen, and then was hired by them full-time as a graphic designer around 2012/13. I learned so much about animation, design, illustration, working with clients and working fast. However, while I was nifty at wearing different hats for clients based on their needs, I felt like I wasn’t leaving my own unique mark or style on anything. I actually felt like I had forgotten how to draw because I hadn’t been doing it for my own creative self-expression for years. I started drawing after work and sharing it on Instagram in 2015. I was really falling in love with drawing again and realized I needed to leave my job to have the time and energy to really explore this avenue. My husband and I saved up to allow me three months for this exploratory phase. If it wasn’t working creatively or financially, I would find another job.
It worked for several years, and I was freelancing as a graphic designer to pay the bills while building my illustration portfolio and social following. When folks asked for art prints on social media, I was so flattered and surprised that people would actually want to BUY my art. I started an Etsy shop and Designed by Shea officially began.
However, I kept saying yes to every project that came my way (the good and the bad), and the freelance life got so stressful between overworking and doing projects that didn’t resonate with me, just for the sake of a paycheck. I felt like I was back to where I started. Enter Rhyme and Reason Design. They hosted a Dribbble meetup, and we just got along really well. I began freelancing with them, and they asked if I was interested in a full-time position. I really missed working alongside people (no offense to my pets) as well as benefits and consistent income, but I didn’t want to sacrifice the time that Designed by Shea needed. We agreed to me signing on as a part-time employee. This was around 2017.
I loved my time with R&R so much that I stayed in this position for five years. All that time, I kept building Designed by Shea and turning it into more than a side hustle. I got to a point where I was overdoing it between the two jobs. It was kind of a tipping point where I needed to pick a side. I figured that if I didn’t go for it with Designed by Shea now, I never would. Annnnd here we are! I’ve been leaning into Designed by Shea full-time since May 2022.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
So bumpy! So so bumpy. Like, Oregon Trail kind of bumpy. The world of illustration is so nebulous; there’s not exactly a clear career path, the technology keeps changing, so the industry keeps changing, and it’s kind of like the wild west. No rules! But that can also be incredibly refreshing and liberating. I’m a problem-solver at heart, so I actually enjoy trying to figure out ways to come up with fresh content, new illustration series, new clients, new work, community building, you name it. I think the biggest struggle is and always will be finances and time management. Working for yourself means you’re the only one who’s gonna get the work done, and so much of it isn’t even creating the lovely illustrations. It’s client outreach, drafting contracts, managing orders, social media planning, budgeting, blah blah blah. It kind of feels like there’s twenty ping-pong games going on in my head…but I’m never bored!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in illustration, and my unique style blends a vintage aesthetic with modern values. I’d say I’m known for whimsical, feminine, and colorful designs that cue all the nostalgia. My background in graphic design has really helped my illustration chops, especially with hand lettering, brand design, poster design, typography and layout. I draw both digitally and analog—because I love BOTH and you can’t make me choose a side!—which is something that helps set me apart as well.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m pretty good at ping pong and I whistle like an old man in a 1950s sitcom.
Contact Info:
- Website: designedbyshea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designed.by.shea
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designed.by.shea.oconnor/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHLfGc7qeloZbi8V3KA-Jw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@designedbyshea
