We had the good fortune of connecting with Shea O’Connor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an illustrator with a vintage vibe, and my art is joyful, colorful and whimsical. I love being able to have a distinct illustration style, but I’m also trained as a graphic designer and have worked commercially for years. It’s really fun to be able to either be a chameleon for clients or a peacock when it comes to illustrating and designing. I never get bored!

Studying graphic design in college helped get my career on the trajectory it is today. I worked at Primal Screen, an animation studio, and Rhyme & Reason Design, a boutique design agency. Both of those jobs really informed my ability to be professional and produce quality work on time. They helped set me up for success as a self-employed creative.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just had close friends visit from the Netherlands so I can tell you some of what we did. One of the things that I love about Atlanta are the smaller, quirkier neighborhoods. We had breakfast burritos at El Tesoro, rented scooters on the Beltline and Piedmont Park, feasted at OK Yaki in EAV, went to a show at The Earl, took them to some campy places like Junkman’s Daughter and Waffle House, got groceries at the Dekalb Farmer’s Market, chilled out at Wild Heaven Brewery in the West End, went to Lake Allatoona for the 4th of July…it was super fun to show them around and it made me see my city in a new light.

Pro Tip: don’t visit Atlanta in the summer, it’s too hot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many folks who’ve helped me along the way, but I’d like to specifically thank Sarah Lawrence. It can be lonely being a self-employed creative, and she’s been such a lovely sounding board to me this year. She’s also super rad and you should interview her too!

Website: designedbyshea.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designed.by.shea/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHLfGc7qeloZbi8V3KA-Jw

Other: TikTok: @designed.by.shea

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.