Interview #11: Kelly Sparks

I am thrilled to be kicking off my interviews of 2026 with Wicklow based designer and photographer Kelly Sparks.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into design and photography?

Hi, I’m Kelly. I live in Wicklow with my partner close to the sea. I spend lots of time going for walks, especially at the beach and I really value being close to nature. I also love dogs (we don’t have one yet, but hoping to get one soon).

I work as a product designer designing software, so most of my days are spent working from home, looking at a screen, and thinking in a fairly structured way. I’ve been doing this kind of work for a long time now, and I’ve noticed how much it shapes how you think. My brain is very used to analysing and fixing things, and I can definitely slip into overthinking.

A few years ago, I started craving something creative away from the screen - something slower, more intuitive, and more grounding. Around that time, I started picking up my camera again.

My path into design hasn’t been linear. I originally trained as an interior designer and worked in hospitality designing; restaurants, hotels, furniture and lighting. When the construction industry crashed during the recession I had to retrain, so I studied digital design which included; film, animation, music technology and web design. I then gradually found my way into roles in graphic design and then product design.

Along the way, I worked in jobs where I got to do a bit of everything - curating art exhibitions, working as an art director in a hotel, helping design outdoor spaces and wedding installations, even sewing cushion covers and designing a shepherd’s hut bar. I loved the variety, autonomy and the freedom to move between ideas, spaces and materials.

Photography has always been there in the background. I took loads of photos in the mid-2000s and carried a camera everywhere. Over time I relied more on my phone, but I never stopped noticing light, colour or small everyday moments. In the last few months, something really shifted. A photography retreat helped confirm that this was something I wanted to make space for. Being around other creative people, looking at photobooks, visiting galleries and chatting about photography felt less like starting something new and more like coming back to myself.

What I’m most drawn to now is nature and presence. Being outdoors is such a contrast to my working day and really grounding. I love how the same landscape changes through the seasons. Photography lets me use my brain without exhausting it, and gives me space to slow down, notice, and just be present.

In both design and photography I’m drawn to what feels natural, honest and authentic. Right now, I’m enjoying being curious and letting things unfold without forcing an outcome.

As a child I was constantly drawing and painting and it’s something that’s come and gone over the years. I think photography has helped bring all of that back to the surface again. Being more connected to myself and my surroundings has made me want to get ideas out and explore them in a slow creative and mindful way. Time and energy can be a challenge, but it’s something I want to keep making space for and see how it evolves.

What awakens life in you and where do you draw inspiration from?

When I’m fully absorbed in something - when I slip into a flow state and everything else fades away. It’s usually when I’m creating, observing, or just being fully present. Being in new places has a similar effect, especially around nature - coastlines, open spaces, beautiful scenery. That sense of awe really wakes me up and reminds me to pay attention. I draw a lot of inspiration from my surroundings - light, colour, weather. I also get very inspired by people who are genuinely passionate about what they do. Music is a constant for me too, along with books and conversations. It’s usually an accumulation of small things rather than one big source.

What does your work teach you about yourself? And the world?

It’s taught me the importance of presence and intention. I’ve always noticed details, but photography has made me more deliberate about paying attention to what actually matters to me. It’s also helped me understand how nourishing creativity can be. I didn’t fully appreciate that when I was younger, but now it feels essential - something that gives my mind a break and brings me back into the moment. It’s shown me that meaning doesn’t always come from big gestures. Sometimes it’s about how you show up day to day, and how connected you feel to yourself and the world around you.

Do you have any daily rituals or routines to get your creativity flowing?

Structure really helps me during the working day - planning, lists and organising my workload. Once I’m in a flow I usually put on music, often piano or instrumental music to help me focus. Getting outside for walks, making coffee and taking time to make something tasty and colourful helps too. I practice yoga and meditation which help me feel more grounded and less reactive. Outside work I often bring my camera with me without any pressure to use it. Being outdoors, moving, listening and noticing are a big part of staying creatively connected for me.

How do you take care of yourself when you are feeling a bit blah, blocked or uninspired?

Getting outside is usually the first thing - a walk somewhere green or near the sea. Movement helps too. Yoga has been a constant for me and I’ve recently started Reformer Pilates, which I’m loving. I don’t try to force creativity when I’m stuck. I’ll look at other people’s work, watch YouTube videos by artists I admire, or spend time with friends. Petting dogs helps a lot :)

What do you enjoy most about food? Do you have any favourite ingredients or recipes?

I love food that’s nourishing and makes me feel good. I studied health and nutrition coaching with IINH and so I’m conscious of eating in a way that's balanced and supports energy. I tend to lean towards simple, wholesome meals with some treats too. Vegetables are my favourite - I eat them every day and get organic veg delivered from a local farm. One of my go-to meals is dal or lentil and bean curry with brown rice. An Indian neighbour shared a tip of frying spices with ginger, garlic and cherry tomatoes and drizzling it over the top with yoghurt and toasted cashews - so good.

Can you share with us any books, podcasts or music that are currently inspiring you?

I dip in and out of podcasts and love conversations around health and creativity. Feel Better, Live More by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, Begin Again by Davina McCall, Louis Theroux and Adam Buxton are all go-tos. I’ve also listened to a lot of Ethan Hawke interviews this year - his TED Talk on creativity is worth a listen.

Music is a daily thing for me. I love singer-songwriters and older, nostalgic music like Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, ELO and The Beatles. When I want to focus, I listen to more instrumental, atmospheric music like Joep Beving and Yann Tiersen. I always come back to Elliott Smith, Aimee Mann, Nick Drake and a bit of jazz.

I’ve just started Thirty-Two Words for Field by Manchán Magan, and I’ve been revisiting cookbooks lately, especially for food photography and simple gluten-free, low-carb recipes.

Do you have any future creative project plans/dreams?

I’m trying to stay open. I’m collaborating with a friend on a small photography project, and there may be an interior design project happening too. 

There are other ideas bubbling away, but for now I’m happy to create without pressure and see where things go.

You can see more of Kelly’s work on her Instagram here.