Soloist in the Spotlight, Karen Curran

Location

Springwood, Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Occupation

Graphic designer and illustrator

What’s the biggest challenge you face at work…?

Constant unrealistic deadlines.

…and how do you propose to overcome it?

Educating my clients that a timeline is required for realistic deadlines. Many people think it’s just 'click' and everything is done. Far from it. Sometimes the answer is 'no' and I suggest the client go elsewhere. I now understand how important it is to make decisions and allow myself to say no if I choose too.

What do you wear to meetings?

Being petite I like to wear smart casual or a jacket and skirt – my clothes invariably involve the colour pink or purple somewhere or a flouncy skirt. I’m not worried about looking different and girly, but I like to dress up, not down.

If you overheard someone talking about you, what would you like to hear?

That I made someone feel good about themselves or inspired them to do something they like.

What’s your favourite film?

I have many favourite films … I love musicals and love The Phantom of the Opera. Also Sleepless in Seattle reflects a parallel to me and my husband. They are both part of our collection and are enjoyed every so often.

What’s your favourite flavoured ice-cream?

I don’t eat ice-cream, however I like small amounts of quality chocolates as a treat.

What’s the cheapest, most effective bit of marketing you’ve ever done?

Having an unpressured chat with someone who was so enthusiastic about me they recommended me the next day for a job.

What’s the most obscure business request you’ve ever had?

A special request from someone in Arizona, USA to purchase a product I had made, that had to be personally delivered - the next day being Christmas Eve - to a daughter visiting her friends who lived near me on the Blue Mountains. I gift wrapped it and made sure it arrived before Santa. And I received the loveliest thank you email.

What actor/actress would play the lead in the story of your life?

Either Goldie Hawn or Olivia Newton-John. Both women are strong, intelligent, creative, caring and inspiring and have faced adversity and come through it all in a positive way.

You’ve got a free half hour during your work day. What do you do?

Take the phones off the hook, make a cuppa and put my feet up with a magazine or book. Or go to a local café to have a break.

What’s your proudest moment?

When my young adult daughter said “thank you for always being there for me”.