#sparkchamber 092523 — Laura Connelly
As the days shorten and summer turns to fall, #sparkchamber alumna Laura Connelly delivers a perfect tale for the ages with her new book The Lurkers. Written for middle-grade or teenage groups [or older], the book explores choices, morality, and the battle of good vs. evil in a dark, illustrated ghost story in rhyme. Debuting earlier this month as a #1 best-selling new release in individual artists’ books, The Lurkers is destined to be a classic! Congratulations, Laura!
In celebration, we highlight Laura’s thoughts on the creative process, originally posted June 7, 2021.
So a couple things in this week’s #sparkchamber story. One is never give up. And another is that the universe will keep hounding you to get on your right path. We thank the amazing illustrator Laura Connelly for reminding us to keep at it and that the universe is always on our side. In her own words:
“
I have always dreamed of being an artist since I was a young girl. I was so excited when I received news that I was accepted into the top art college in Dublin, Ireland where I was living at the time. As life unfolded, certain circumstances led me to move to New York City and I was unable to pursue a higher-level art education.
After moving to NY, I had many people tell me that I would never make a living from my artwork. Over and over, I would hear people use the term “starving artist,” and this was very discouraging … so I actually gave up on my dream.
Soon after I started a “real job” as others suggested — working for a blog, writing articles and interviewing people. Sure enough, many of the people I interviewed ended up being artists and as I talked with them, I realized many of them were told the same thing I was told and went through many of the same struggles. Eventually, this inspired me and instilled in me the courage to once again chase after my dream, but this time I promised myself I would not give up.
Fast forward several months and there I was working as a freelance artist. I wasn’t making enough to earn a living, but I was slowly getting there. The catalyst that would change my career forever was actually the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic started, I felt I had to do something to give back to my community. I decided to hold a fundraiser for a local non-profit by giving away free digital illustrations while accepting donations. The fundraiser went viral and I ended up raising nearly $12,000 after illustrating over 1,200 pieces of art over the course of three weeks. The fundraiser put my artwork in the spotlight and people loved what they saw. The demand for my work never slowed down, and so that’s when I launched Stellar Villa and became a full-time artist doing what I love.
“
Among other things, Laura makes custom pet portraits which she temporarily suspended during the Covid. But good news! As of last week, she is re-opened for commissions! Do it! And, definitely follow along on Instagram.
1.] Where do ideas come from?
My ideas come from everything and everyone who surrounds me. Lately, I have been incredibly inspired by the green trees and blooming flowers. It is strange because the vibrant greenery has never appealed to me before, but now I just can’t get enough! My other constant inspiration source is everything to do with vintage. Vintage art, vintage decor, vintage style. I’m particularly interested in the 1950-1990 eras.
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
My motivation is storytelling. Each illustration I create, I want it to tell a story and give a special feeling to the viewer. When my art connects with the viewer on an emotional level [and it’s not just a pretty picture] I know I have achieved my goal.
3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?
That is an excellent question! Working for myself has been incredible but working from home has been one of the hardest hurdles I had to push through. I learned what hours of the day I’m the most productive, the most creative, and when it’s time to take a break and go socialize/recharge my battery. I get up early [5 am] and work until about 11 am. Those are my best hours. I get back to creating around 2 pm and work until about 7 pm. Learning and understanding my creativity has been one of the biggest challenges but also with the highest reward.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
Ah, I learned this the hard way too but now I just know when it’s time to stop. It almost feels like I run out of juice — inspiration, creativity, and productivity. Once I start to feel it, I stop immediately, take a break, and recharge. After few hours I’m good to create again!
