How I Work: Artist Gemma O’Brien
Gemma O’Brien is one of the best illustrative lettering and mural artists in the world. Images: c/o Gemma O’Brien. Header image design by Barbara Cadorna.
Years ago, we attended a conference where artist and designer Gemma O’Brien was hand-lettering a mural in real-time. She was not only technically perfect, but watching her reminded us that a real human was responsible for the captivating, bold images. We have been huge fans ever since.
Her work has been commissioned by Apple, Nike, Google, and is held in the permanent collection of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City. Here, the Australia native and world traveler shares how she works, specially the physical nature of painting, the tools of her trade (including a scissor lift!), and why the analog process brings her joy even if it takes longer.
Rise and Shine
Wake up: see sunshine and faces, move my body, eat some fruit, drink black coffee and begin the day!
Work Uniform
Painting overalls, otherwise all black and always wearing bike pants underneath.
How I Structure My Day
As I work alone, 95 percent of the time there is a lot of flexibility. Which is a blessing and a curse. When I’m on a commercial deadline I try to do one session of digital work in the morning and one in the afternoon. When I’m painting artworks or a mural I usually work six-to-nine hours a day to get it done. In between projects I am inspired by going to art galleries, looking in book stores, and wandering new streets.
Playlist Favorites
Ultra Artist Boost Vol 1 & 2.
Tools of the Trade
Everyday: Pencil, small sketch book.
Installations: Paint, brushes, ladder or scissor lift!
Digital art: laptop, and drawing tablet (iPad when traveling and Wacom Cintiq pro at the studio).
Oh, and AirPods for music, audiobooks, and voice memos with friends.
Dream Studio
My current studio is my dream studio for this moment in time. But in the future I would love to be in a location near a rainforest with a beach and adding on an entertaining area where I can host friends/family between brush strokes!
One Unique Thing About My Work Process
I enjoy effort and physical labor. Even if it takes longer, the analog process still brings me a lot of joy and I like how painting installations gets the body moving in different ways. It is energy intensive though so it’s nice to work on smaller commissions like book covers in between.
Mantra
What would an ultra artist do?
My Bright Idea that Never Saw the Light of Day
Weapons of Tax Deduction.
To-Do List Item That Keeps Me Up At Night
Painting the experimental installation in my current studio before I leave.
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