Graphic Designer Turned Cartoonist/Illustrator & ADHD Superhero Dani Donovan!
Today we visit with a Graphic Designer, Artist & ADHD Cartoon specialist, (and in my opinion, future superhero character designer). You have probably already seen Dani’s Art without even realizing that it’s her work, or that it was originally inspired by her ADHD. It was her Art & her fearlessness that brought us together today. I really want to share her full bio with you: Dani Donovan is a designer and illustrator who’s recently risen to internet fame creating ADHD comics. Her first graphic (a storytelling flowchart) went viral, amassed over 100 million views, and has been reposted and praised by celebrities such as Mindy Kahling, Natalie Portman, and Jennifer Garner. Within a couple months, she quickly became a prominent voice in the online ADHD community. Dani’s comics aim to help those with ADHD understand themselves and explain their struggles to loved ones. Her artwork struck a global chord and has been translated into four languages. She’s partnering with Penguin Random House to illustrate a children’s book based on her childhood experiences with ADHD. Dani works full-time as a designer for Gallup, runs a freelance branding business, and served on the board of directors for Nebraska’s chapter of AIGA (American Institute for Graphic Arts). Her online store, ADHDDD.com, opens in early May. Enjoy!
In this episode Peter and Dani discuss:
:46- Intro & welcome superhero Dani Donovan!
1:33- You tweeted that you were nervous to join us today- why would you possibly be nervous!? ref: Dani’s tweet
2:11- So you got diagnosed in college; tell us about what it was like growing-up undiagnosed?
3:56- When you got into college, what prompted the diagnosis?
5:25- Were you put on medication? ref: Adderall versus Ritalin&Vyvanse
5:50- Was it sort of a wake-up call- whenever you got a name for your ADHD?
6:50- How long have you been drawing?
7:16- Being an Artist, do you find that writing/drawing puts you at peace?
8:03- I found you through your cartoons. Tell us about how you got started & what happened?
9:20- Tell us about your experience with an Art Therapist?
10:43- What kind of responses have you been getting from your Art?
12:16- What’s your personal favorite piece thus far?
13:10- Note to self: Brand everything you do! ref: Imposter syndrome
13:40- How can we find you & see your beautiful Art? Patreon.com/DaniDonovan Twitter, INSTA Behance LinkedIN Dribbble: @DaniDonovan. Facebook @DaniDonovanArt
14:36- One last question. What do you tell creatives & budding artists who are afraid to post their works?
16:05- So…“done is better than perfect”?
16:15- Thank you Dani! And thank YOU for subscribing, reviewing and listening. Please.. stop right now and write us a review, EVEN IF you’ve reviewed us before, so that we will all be able to help & reach even more people! You can always reach me at [email protected] or @petershankman on all of the socials. Also at @FasterThanNormal on all of the socials.
17:01- Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits
As always, leave us a comment below and PLEASE drop us a review on iTunes and of course, subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already! The more reviews we get, the more people we can reach. Help us to show the world that ADHD is a gift, not a curse! Know of anyone you think should be on the FTN podcast? Shoot us a note, we’d love to hear!
Just heard Dani Donovan on NET/PBS Nebraska Stories, then found your interview & listened— loved it!
I am 70 years old and was not diagnosed with ADHD, not hyper active until I was in my 50s. I was so relieved to get a diagnosis and could then see it as a blessing, not a curse. Thank you for getting the effort and informing the world about our creative wonderful minds and how they work.