Meet Donough O’malley

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Donough O’malley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Donough below.

Hi Donough, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

Creativity blocks can strike anyone at anytime, which is far from ideal when you’ve got a deadline and clients to answer to. So what do I do when the brain freezes and I can’t think of anything? Nothing. Literally nothing. Sometimes trying to force your way through a block is unproductive and just increases the frustration. So I take myself away from the situation and do something completely unrelated. Go for a walk, do some housework, take a nap, or just lie on the floor with my dog staring at the ceiling. Turning the brain off just seems to help, and once the grey mass has relaxed it allows for more playful thoughts to creep in. I’ve managed to overcome quite a few bouts of creative block this way. And who isn’t partial to a power nap?

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?

I’m a freelance Illustrator and Designer, with over twenty years experience. In that time I’ve worked in a wide variety of areas from children’s books to editorial, advertising to public murals. I’ve always tried to keep my interests in illustration and design fresh through learning new things and experimentation, and it’s been fun to see how my work has developed and changed over the years from an initial interest in characters and mark making, to a current fixation on colour and shape.
In between commercial briefs, I enjoy creating little side projects for myself, where I can do as I please, and spoil myself with endless research and development.
Every brief is different, which can be rewarding (and challenging) but the desired outcome is always the same, to bring a little bit visual joy into a viewers life.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Playfullness and carefree experimentation is essential for developing your work and style. While it might not sound very serious, it does require time management skills and prioritisation. I can look back at when I first started my creative career and kick myself not putting my time to better use on developing my artwork.
Decision making is something that doesn’t come naturally to me, and if my brain had it’s way an image or design would be endless, with countless revisions. So knowing when and what to do (and also not to do), at the right time can be very important. So be tough with yourself, and tell yourself what to do.
Technical ability. There is just no way to avoid putting in countless hours on your skills. I don’t think I could even guess the amount of hours I’ve spent with a pencil and a sketch pad in my hand.
The time pays off though, and is always worth it.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Currently I think the number one challenge to a lot of creatives I know is the tough economic climate and the impact that is having on professional commissions. Also the rise of AI is pretty alarming and is going to affect creatives ability to make a living and keep a roof over their heads from doing what they do. I don’t think the majority of people realise how tough it can be to earn a living from a creative field. I see that alone as a major achievement.
To stop myself from losing the plot completely I opted to get a bit more aggressive in self promotion, and tailored personal projects to appeal to targeted possible new clients. It’s combining the chance to create new personal work, and raise possible new work leads. So far it is working, I’ve managed to stay sane and make some great new clients.

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Donough O’Malley

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