Meet Diana Flynn

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Diana Flynn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Diana, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I’ve always believed that you can do anything you set your mind to. My parents didn’t have a lot of preconceived notions about what kind of career I would choose and so I always thought I could do anything I wanted. If you’re not afraid of failing then you’re more willing to put yourself out there.

I think having that early freedom just allowed me to build on the confidence that we all start with as young children.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

The more time I spend in the studio, the more ideas I have. It’s a little bit of a catch 22. I’ll have work I’m trying to finish for a show or a client but I’ll also have new ideas popping into my head about new ways to create texture or use fabric.

Years ago I worked with painted fabric to make tapestries. I still love the idea of not using a full frame and allowing more breathing room around the edges on some pieces. The idea of allowing the work to form more organically is exciting to me so I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately.

Also, my love of color is always top of mind. Last year I did my first solo show and color was central to that collection. I’m currently working on a new body of work that I’ll be showing later this year and again, color will be a major component. In addition to having single and multicolor pieces, there will also be some where I’m incorporating abstract patterns. I’m eager to see how it all comes together.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I have a genuine interest in learning new things. I like to know how things work or are made and I like talking to people who know things that I don’t. (I was always the kid in class who raised my hand to ask questions). That curiosity has always made me want to explore and I don’t think I’d have the career I have now without that.

Working hard has always proven to be helpful for me. In my first few jobs after college, I remember raising my hand to do extra work or take on new projects just to keep pushing myself to learn more. It shows initiative and determination and others will remember that down the line. Even now, as an artist, it is a skill that resinates with Interior Designers and other potential collaborators.

It’s also important to stay focused when it’s important. I’m still grappling with this one. I’m constantly updating my goals and priorities but I always write them down so I can be sure I’m not straying to far from the direction I’ve set for myself.

One bit of advice would be to keep it all in perspective. Don’t take yourself too seriously. We all tend to compare ourselves to others. There will always be someone better at their craft or further along in their career, but staying focused on your own path and knowing your own skills and strengths is key.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

My early career was in marketing but we did not yet have social media. I hate to say it but not having the knowledge or skills to navigate the enormous marketing opportunity that social media brings, has been super challenging. I’m constantly trying to figure that part out and that takes time away from making work in my studio.

I just try to move the needle forward everyday by learning how to do the next type of media post or talk to another artist about how they photograph their work for Instagram or watch a video on how to edit content. Luckily there are a lot of tutorials and classes available online but it’s definitely been an ongoing process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dianaflynndesigns.com
• Instagram: @dianaflynndesigns