We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Ryan Kelly recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer , so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
When I was younger, a career in the arts was not encouraged by my early educators or distant family members. There was a strange stigma behind building a career with creativity. Many adults would advise me not to pursue it, that it would not get me anywhere and I would need something sustainable and/or ordinary to put food on the table.
I’m glad to say, I never listened to them. Thank goodness I never did, because my passion was stronger than their unsolicited concerns.
Luckily, I had a strong support system behind me that never allowed me to waver. My close family and friends always encouraged my artistic expressions. That cultivated a self belief, that I can do it and that my own artistic voice has value, regardless of if I’m materially successful by 18 or 89 years of age.
It doesn’t matter if or when I make it as an artist, as long as I keep creating. Regardless if it’s shown to the world or not.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I spend my weeks, months, and years creating, and it takes on many forms, so it’s always interesting!
During the week I dedicate my time to painting pictures, animating and teaching my students drama.
Back in July 2023, I even started my own animation class, teaching children how to be the wonderful animators that they are!
I have been working self employed since 2021, so there’s never a dull moment. Many people request personal commission pieces, or posters, or logos for their brands through me.
A comic I have been working on about Maeve of Connacht will be coming out in the next month (March 2024), this was a production I have worked on for the past 2 years!
My personal style tends to spill into the fantasy and daydream category.
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?
Setting personal life and work boundaries. This is essential, especially when working self-employed. The lines between life and work get blurred and can spill into each other. To avoid this, set a schedule of when you are going to work. Avoid responding to people at late into the night or on your days off. This was one thing I wish I knew from the word go. I spread myself too thin when I got started and was completely burnt out. It’s great to set these boundaries early, so you can take care of yourself.
Organisation.
I have little books filled with ideas, concepts and client projects. These are handy to refer back to when you need to reflect on the projects you’re working on, and it’s great to keep them all in one place!
Even setting up a document on your laptop/phone/online to store concepts, next steps and information can be handy when you need it.
Patience.
Grant yourself patience. It can be frustrating starting out and wanting to see results, but unfortunately it doesn’t always work out that way! That was a lesson I had to learn very quickly, and I’m still learning! Enjoy the progress. You will look back on your time building up as a creator, and you will be proud and in awe at how far you have come.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always open to collaborating with folks! It’s my favourite thing to do as a creative. Fusing ideas together propels projects in a way that I would not originally have seen it.
I would love to collaborate with more writers, artists, and just about anyone that has ideas whirling around in their lovely brains!
You can reach me on:
Instagram: @jayorkay
Facebook: Jennifer Ryan Kelly Art
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jenniferryankellyart.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/jayorkay/%3Fhl%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwiMtebQxcmEAxVaWEEAHYgbB4QQFnoECBIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2wskIRiLG5JeNnWSgrGadS
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennRKArt
Image Credits
My profile picture was taken by Layla Tobin.
