Kellie O'Hara
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m an illustrator and a Graphic Designer with a love for all things art-related.”
I focus mostly on digital illustrations, print design, packaging and branding.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
As a little girl, I was obsessed with coloring, crafting and being creative. I took art classes throughout my entire schooling and went to a small art college. I studied as many disciplines as I could, including Photography, Bookbinding, Printmaking, Life Drawing and even a Meditation & Painting course in Puerto Rico. I landed on Graphic Design as a major but have always continued illustrating, painting and trying new mediums.
How do you stand out in your field?
Honestly, sometimes I feel like my work doesn't stand out in my field! Is that the curse of being an artist? When I was younger, I felt like I had to come up with something unique and different from what everyone else was doing. Now, I try not to put that pressure on myself. I feel like my work shifts over the years and as long as I try to listen to my inner voice and draw/design to that, I'll be ok! With that being said, I do pride myself in being easy to work with and being a very hard worker. I’ll work all night to hit a deadline!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m constantly drawing and illustrating but my dream has always been to create a series of children’s books. I’ve been working on some ideas and sketches and I’m excited to bring it to life!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I think my art is sweet and somewhat feminine and I always try to tell a story. I see other amazing artists with beautiful work and sometimes I think “I should do something more like that”. But whenever I start drawing, somehow it morphs into a cute little face with wide eyes and a smile. Whether I’m drawing a human or a lemon, I seem to always gravitate towards personifying things in a whimsical way.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Being a Graphic Designer, I don't get to do as much illustration work as I'd like. While I enjoy branding, packaging, and general Graphic Design, my heart is in Illustration. I built a side hustle a few years ago where I was making prints, cards and other products out of my illustrations and I got so much fulfillment out of it! I'm also a big-time crafter (painting, crocheting, sewing, etc.) and sometimes wish I could spend all day crafting!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I'm frustrated that there aren't more hours in the day! There's so much I want to create, explore, do, see and I find myself feeling like I'm not accomplishing enough. I'm trying to teach myself to set realistic expectations. I can't travel to Italy, illustrate a children's book, go to yoga every morning and make dinner every night all in one week!! I'm learning to pick one (or two)
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I’d hire someone to do the dishes! Just kidding (although I do hate doing the dishes)! Could I pay someone to sleep for me? I feel like there’s never enough time in the day and if I could just use those 8 hours…
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would tell my younger self to be more fearless. In travel, creativity, exploration, etc. Experiences shape you and open new possibilities and opportunities and, while I feel that I’m exactly where I need to be, I can’t help but wonder about all the other paths I could’ve taken.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
One of my struggles as an artist is finding the balance of creating art that means something to me but that also speaks to and resonates with other people. It's so easy to keep creating work that people love. But it becomes tricky if we lose our passion for it, or want to try something new. I would love to pick an expert’s brain on how they handle that balance.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m always looking and eager for new projects! I would love to work on illustration-based projects but would be happy to work on anything related to design- print design, branding, logos, packaging, emails, etc.!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION
My ideal client has a project brief which includes a specific ask, a budget and a deadline. But most importantly, and if nothing else, my ideal client has strong communication skills!
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My rate varies per project and depends on the type and amount of work. I like to stay flexible with my rate because I feel that finding a balance, that works both for the client and myself, creates a good working relationship.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I love connecting and collaborating with new people! If you’re interested in working together (or just want to say hi), you can reach out at oharakellie@gmail.com!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Try new things. Never stop laughing.
This member profile was originally published in December 2018.