What is your name and your current occupation?
My name is Cara Daly,I am a children’s illustrator / artist. I also am the owner of Carla Daly Kids Wall Art. (http://www.carladaly.com) were I sell a range of wall art decor for babies and kids rooms.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Any work I have done since college has been related to my art, I have put my art on some crazy products though – Toliet seats, 3d Tshirts, door knobs, Cows (Cow Parade). You can see a little history of my work on my blog http://www.carladaly.blogspot.ie/
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I have illustrated some great kids books and one of my favorite was by a BAFTA winning author, Roy Apps called THe Twitches. It was featured on the BBC in Jackanory. Another great project I am proud to be part of is my online business selling my own designs for decorating kids rooms and nurseries http://www.carladaly.com, I started it on a very low budget and now I sell to countries all over the world.
How did you become interested in animation?
When I was growing up watching great animation, my favorites were Dastardly and Muttley, Top Cat, Pink Panter, Danger Mouse and many more. I loved children’s artists such as Richard Scarry, Maurice Sendak, Dr Zeus, I just love art for kids! So when I started creating my own art I had ideas for characters and places they might live, swirling around in the back of my mind. And now I am trying to get an idea I have called The Herdvillians (working title) produced as a kids animated series. No easy task!
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I am from Dublin, Ireland and I am not quite in the animation business, yet!
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
I work out of my studio which is located in the attic of my house. I would do many different jobs in a day. I might paint, create ideas, get orders ready to dispatch, talk to customers.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
Painting, creating new ideas. It’s the best job in the world.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
Administration end of things. I don’t think this side of my brain is works that well ;-). I just find it boring.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
Adobe photoshop, I am a traditional painter but recently use a little Adobe, mainly in my map work.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
Getting an idea from paper to production. In all areas whether it is for animation, design, licensing or publishing, having an idea and getting someone to take that idea to the next level is the hardest bit.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
Unfortunately not, maybe in the future, I hope!
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
Starting my online business while at the same time starting a family, that was tough.
Any side projects you’re working on that you’d like to share details of?
As I mentioned, I am working on an idea for a kids animation series, The Herdvillians. I am attaching some images.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
No!
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Three things I would say – 1. Listen to other peoples opionions. 2. Learn to deal with rejection (In the creative world there is a lot of it!). 3. Work hard and be reliable..
