Episode 116: From Slow Seasons to Overflow - Finding Balance and Knowing When to Say No with Airin O'Callaghan
In this episode, I sit down with Airin O'Callaghan, a talented children's book illustrator, to dive into her inspiring creative journey. From overcoming early struggles to balancing work and family life, Irene shares valuable insights that will resonate with any aspiring creative. Her story is a testament to perseverance, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of passion.
The Winding Path to Finding Your Passion
Airin’s journey is one of resilience and exploration. She has always had a love for drawing, but her path wasn’t always clear—dabbling in photography and other creative outlets before ultimately finding her true calling in children’s book illustration. Through trial and error, she discovered what truly lit her up, even when setbacks made her question the path forward. Her willingness to experiment and push through uncertainty is a reminder that finding your passion is rarely a straight line. It’s about embracing the process.
Navigating the Early Stages of a Creative Career
Airin gets real about the challenges of building a client base, getting noticed, and the bold steps she took to gain experience, like offering free mural work just to get her foot in the door. Instead of letting rejection hold her back, she used it as fuel to keep going. Her story is proof that success in any creative field takes persistence, networking, and a willingness to keep putting yourself out there. If you’re an aspiring artist, illustrator, or creative entrepreneur, you’ll walk away with invaluable lessons on staying true to your vision while navigating the ups and downs of the industry.
Balancing Work, Life, and Motherhood
As Airin’s career has grown, so has her family. She opens up about the reality of balancing creative work with motherhood, sharing how she manages her time, lets go of unrealistic expectations, and prioritizes self-care. Her honest take on finding harmony between personal and professional life is something many creatives will relate to. Let’s be real, the juggle is real!
Airin leaves us with a powerful message: “Have faith. Because you can’t change who you are, and we want so badly to be the best version of ourselves—but we just have to trust that it’s already there.” Her beautiful metaphor of holding dreams in an open palm rather than a tight fist is a reminder to embrace life’s journey with grace, patience, and trust in ourselves.
I hope this conversation inspires you to let go of rigid expectations, trust in your creative instincts, and take bold steps toward your dreams—no matter how winding the path may be.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Trust the Process and Have Faith in Your Dream. Success rarely follows a straight path. Believe in your ability to grow, adapt, and make your vision a reality.
Start Where You Are—Even If It Means Working for Free. Building experience often means taking risks, putting yourself out there, and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them.
Rejection is Redirection, Not a Dead End. Instead of seeing rejection as failure, ask for feedback, refine your skills, and use it as a stepping stone to something greater.
Be Intentional About What You Say Yes To.In the beginning, take on as much as you can to gain experience. But as you grow, align your work with your values, vision, and long-term goals.
Balance is About Flexibility, Not Perfection. Use small moments wisely—whether it’s a five-minute sketch or a quick creative session. Adjust expectations and give yourself grace in every season.
Hold Your Dreams with an Open Hand. Push forward with persistence, but don’t grip so tightly that you burn out. Trust that the right opportunities will come as you keep showing up.
