Paul O’Brien
Published 16th February 2022
INTRODUCTION
Paul O’Brien is a freelance brand packaging designer with over 7 years of experience working on some of the worlds most recognised brands. He’s also the host of 'Let's Talk' - a series of monthly events for creatives to get together and openly discuss topics like networking, portfolios and self-drive.
Since leaving his full-time role in April 2021, he’s freelanced with the likes of Taxi Studio, Design Bridge, Bulletproof & Jones Knowles Ritchie.
Congrats on the launch of ‘Let’s Talk’! What are you hoping to achieve this year with the series?
Thank you! As ‘Let’s Talk’ grows, I want it to become a recognised community for creatives to come together and discuss everything from portfolios to networking. I also know that working from home can be a lonely experience - so I hope this series becomes a space where we can grow our networks and genuinely talk to other like-minded people.
What first drew you to design and then packaging in particular when growing up?
For as long as I can remember I have always been creative, so turning a passion into a career in Graphic Design was an absolute no brainer. As soon as I became aware of packaging design, no other medium of design has excited me as much.
Artworking and packaging design by Paul O’Brien, as part of the creative team at Ziggurat Brands
How did you land your first internship?
A classic case of being in the right place at the right time. Someone from Pearlfisher approached my course looking for interns during my final year of uni. I went to their London studio to hear more about the opportunity and walked away with a month’s internship lined up.
Quickfire question: LinkedIn - is it for creatives, yes or no?
100%. It’s how I have landed every single freelance job.
Packaging design by Paul O’Brien, as part of the creative team at Ziggurat Brands
We often wince at the thought of self-promotion, but how’s your relationship with it? And do you have any words of wisdom for those that want to start or get better?
Self-promotion is difficult, but as a freelancer, I feel like you have to do it. Not so much to get work, but to stay relevant. Because of my self-promotion, I have had agencies from all over the world ask me for my availability. I know for a fact that wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t promoting myself and the agencies I have been working with.
“Your personality is the one thing that will set you aside from all the other extremely talented designers out there.”
If I had to give any advice on self-promotion, I’d say make sure who you are comes across - your personality is the one thing that will set you aside from all the other extremely talented designers out there.
Packaging design by Paul O’Brien, as part of the creative team at Ziggurat Brands
When we spoke, you said that Design Bridge, Bulletproof and Jones Knowles Ritchie had always been your dream agencies to work at. How do you feel having achieved that within less than a year of going freelance?
Absolutely psyched. I still struggle to comprehend how fortunate I have been on my journey as a freelancer.
Do you ever struggle to say no to work, or to take time off for yourself?
In short - yes! I am learning so much working with the countries best creative agencies - it’s impossible to turn down opportunities like that.
Creative direction by Paul O’Brien for bulk™
We’re big on painting pictures for the future, so how would you like this year to pan out?
Deep down I have always wanted my own creative agency. This year, I’d love to team up with other creatives and start one. I know it’s very ambitious, but if the past year and a half has taught me anything its to follow your dreams and go for it.
“If the past year and a half has taught me anything its to follow your dreams and go for it”
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