Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Konn Lavery. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Konn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I’ve known from a young age, watching my parents. The idea of a regular job didn’t entice me because you didn’t have control over your day-to-day activities. My dad was in sales all his life. Back in the 90s, sales had a greater focus on commission, making it a performance-based career similar to my graphic design and web development business. My mom nurtured my creative explorations with writing, encouraging to see where it goes. Between the two of them, I fused them into being a freelance graphic designer and author.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a graphic designer, web developer, and fiction author living in Vancouver, British Columbia.
As of July, I’ve been freelancing for 10 years with repeat happy clients. My skills integrate logo and branding to create uniquely mastered visuals, accompanied by stationary, book formatting, and large print signage. My expertise in web design focuses on storytelling through information architecture, UX design, PHP WordPress development, website usability, and mobile design. The work is available on my portfolio.
When I’m not working on creative projects, I spend my time crafting fiction stories. They range from fantasy to horror, taking place within the Macrocosm. My work is recognized by award programs such as indieBRAG, The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, eLit Awards, and Dan Poynter’s Global Ebook Awards. It’s been curated into the Edmonton Public Library’s Capital Press collection. The latest is my Ash Born series, which is a multi-genre supernatural thrill ride. If you enjoy thrills and chills, I have a free 3-book Macrocosm Intro Collection available when signing up to my newsletter. You can find it on my author website.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of the creative industry (graphic design and fiction writing) is seeing a project through to the end. I find all creative endeavours similar: the idea phase is a lot of fun and so is the completing. The phases in between are work, and that’s fine. We all have to work in some form.
With design or writing, it’s a form of problem solving. I owe a lot to my old college instructor who taught us the design process and to trust it. Exploring ideas in a concept phase lets you see potential without judgement. That comes later to refine an idea based on the scope.
Following a routine helps me stay organized and opens time to dive into creative focused work sessions for hours without interruptions. Entering that trance workflow creates a Zenlike state that is fulfilling. It also produces the best results.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes. There are lots. Where do we begin? An unordered of the top five books are:
Talent Is Overrated, What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin:
This book breaks down the best in a field and the hours put into being good at something. Quite eye opening and puts effort into perspective.
Turning Pro, Tap Your Inner Power and Create Your Life’s Work by Steven Pressfield:
Steven Pressfield is a smart writer and direct. If you’re interested in the creative field, or need a reality check, read this.
Factfulness, Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World–and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund, Ola Rosling:
The big picture life ideas, and knowing how to analyze information, help put life into perspective compared to the entire world.
On Equilibrium by John Ralston Saul:
John Ralston Saul is a Canadian philosopher that offers humour to look inward with a human lens.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman:
This book helps you understand your own mind and the power of using it. We’ve got the fast thinking in the moment, thoughts, and the simmering ideas that need time. A powerful read.
There are more, but that’s a good start to get in the right mindset.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://konnlavery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/konnlavery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/konnlavery/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konn-lavery/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/konnl
- Other: Design Portfolio: https://www.revealdesign.ca Three Free Novels Newsletter Sign Up: https://konnlavery.com/newsletter-sign-up/
Image Credits
Author Photo: Nastassja Obakeneko Crystal Moth Conspiracy Book Cover Illustration: Lee Nielsen