"I went through a whole year of not drawing because my hands shook too much"

When I began About M.E. I was very determined to hire and work with more people with chronic/invisible illnesses and disabilities. It’s been a learning curve, to say the least, but I am so proud to have found Sirius O'Reilly. Sirius was recommended to me and diagnosed with FND as well as Autism and is behind the About M.E. logo.

How long have you been a graphic designer?

I have branched more into Graphic Design since my Foundation Diploma in Art and Design 2016, where I focused more on digital art. I have been illustrating as a hobbyist since I was 6, and have had the pleasure in the past few years to produce Graphical Designs for commercial businesses.

What inspired you to do it?

Graphic Design is a wonderful combination of artistic expression and practical function. I was first given the opportunity to design a logo by a childhood friend, who needed someone who was 'good at art'. They remembered my passion for art, so they got in touch, and I was happy to use my skills to help.

How do you overcome a creative block?

I switch up my medium. I give a new crochet project a go or spend time writing, I channel my creativity in a different way to think about ideas differently, eventually, I'll get back on track!

What advice would you give to someone who has an illness/disability and how to follow their passion?

Be you, do what makes you happy. No one can put a limit on your capabilities, only you can decide that for yourself. The only person you should compare yourself to is your past self, and always your past self will be proud of how far you have come.

I went through a whole year of not drawing because my hands shook too much with an Essential Tremor to draw lines straight, so I watched videos, brushed up on new ideas and skills, and spent my creativity writing/typing. But always keeping those new ideas in my head. When I felt ready to pick up the pen again I had material to focus on, I started small, but most importantly I enjoyed what I was doing.

Written by: Sirius O’Reilly