Today we’d like to introduce you to Shea O’Connor.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shea. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember and have always been encouraged to be creative. My family patiently put up with me locking myself in my bedroom and drawing for hours on end (something I still do).
It wasn’t until college that I discovered you could actually make a living as a creative. I’d never heard of graphic design before then and I loved the idea of using my creativity as a way to help and relate to others. I landed my first job as a graphic designer after graduating from college and learned how to work with clients and realize their vision. While it’s a valuable skillset to wear different hats to fit a client’s needs, I missed drawing and expressing myself as an artist.
It was difficult to pursue this while also doing a creative daytime job, so I realized I needed to make a change. My husband and I saved up so that I could quit my very stable, very good full-time job. I started freelancing which gave me the time and headspace I needed to develop my illustration chops.
I started using Instagram as a way to share my work and see if it was resonating with anyone. Luckily, it did! I opened my Etsy shop — Designed By Shea — in 2016 and have been using social media as a way to share positivity and celebrate women.
I feel truly lucky that the best way for me to connect with people is through doing what I love. I’m pretty much addicted to the creative process, and that reflects in my work. I take art very seriously in that I work incredibly hard, but I’ll never hesitate to add an element of playfulness or whimsy or old-fashioned levity when appropriate. I love dabbling in new media and bridging the old with the new — particularly through illustration and graphic design.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been particularly smooth, though I have to say I have been very lucky to have a super strong support system. Philip — my musician of a husband — values my skills and creativity. He was actually the one to encourage me to start freelancing. While it seemed stupidly risky to quit a steady job (with benefits), my family trusted me and championed me. If you can, surround yourself with people who love you and champion you.
When I first started freelancing, I said yes to absolutely every job request. Money was tight and I felt guilty turning any opportunity down because I wasn’t sure where it could lead. Now that I’ve been at this for about two years, I can tell if it will be a good gig or not. Here’s a way to do that:
1. Does it pay well?
2. Is it fun?
3. Is it easy?
If the project has 2 out of 3 of these qualities, I think it’s worth considering.
Lastly, find yourself a mentor to talk shop with, to look at your work critically, to help give you perspective. While I still feel far from having it “all figured out,” I’m always more than happy to help anyone who’s just getting into the game. Share what you know, share what you charge on projects, etc… if we can all lift each other up, this will ultimately help raise the standards of the creative community.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Designed By Shea story. Tell us more about the business.
I create whimsical & glamorous illustrations of women. I make sure that the women I draw are a positive influence on others. I draw females from the past and present… some are well known and others aren’t (but should be). I strive to include all ages, ethnicities, and body types.
I’m especially proud of my Etsy shop, Designed By Shea. Folks can buy prints of these types of women I’ve listed above to help inspire them. I’ve also started taking commissions and it’s been incredibly rewarding to draw all kinds of bad-ass babes in my style.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Absolutely. Growing up, my grandmother — Sudie Lea O’Connor — always encouraged my sister and me to be creative. She was an opera singer turned artist and always had projects for us every visit. Whether it was watercoloring on the wharf or finger-painting pillowcases, I was exposed to art and creativity at an early age. She has made a lasting impact on me.
Pricing:
- Designed By Shea Prints: $12
- Designed By Shea Commissions starting at $70
Contact Info:
- Website: designedbyshea.com
- Email: koconnor90@gmail.com
- Instagram: designed.by.shea
Image Credit:
Shea O’Connor, Designed By Shea
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