Five minutes with Ok David
David Thomas, founder of OK David, is a designer and artist, mostly working with paint but willing to play with anything. He creates things for companies and interior designers; his fabric designs have been bestsellers for Liberty since 2014, when he created a pattern called Queue for the Zoo. He is now launching his own range of products at www.okdavid.com.
1. Who are you and why did you start OK David?
Originally I wanted to publish stories. OK David was my pen name - I liked that okay was the most commonly used word in the world. I didn’t get far with my writing, but people kept asking me to make pictures for them so I switched from writing to drawing, painting, and designing fabrics.
2. What’s your advice to others starting their own business?!
I don’t think I’m in the position to give anyone business advice. I’m still learning to treat what I do as a business and not a series of experimental projects. Being alert and working hard probably has something to do with success though.
3. What does a brief day in your life look like?!
It varies. I set myself daily, weekly, and monthly goals. On studio days I work from a small studio shed, which I love. I play around with design experiments to see what works and what doesn’t. I normally don’t start in there until mid-morning, after coffee and a shower and getting my son ready for his day. I usually do some physio before starting too, because I’m recovering from cancer treatment. It’s solitary, which is what I love about it the most. My days are a funny mix of being productive and wasting time. Only it’s not exactly wasted. One days time-wasting often leads to something worthwhile on another day.
4. Who is a person you look up to and why?
I like people who decide to retrain or pick up a new skill later in life, and who put the time into getting better at something. I believe it shows an open mindedness and curiosity.
5. Name your biggest professional highlight?
It’s not happened yet. I’ve made successful designs for Liberty but I don’t class them as being a personal success.
6. Favourite book and why?
There is no absolute champion but when I was fifteen I discovered a simple children’s book on my shelf called Dominic, by William Steig. It was about a dog who sets out to seek his fortune. He has many adventures along the way and turns out to be quite brave and wise. It really touched me. Also, I’m enjoying reading Danny the Champion of the World to my son at the moment.
7. Favourite podcast and why?
I listen to podcasts when I’m in the kitchen doing monotonous things like washing up or preparing food. I don’t often listen to them when I’m painting. Usually when I’m working I prefer music. I don’t like to be thinking about anything in particular while I’m working.
8. What’s the one thing you try and do every day for yourself?
I write in my diary and use notebooks to make lists to keep on track. I quickly forget things so I need to tether myself to a small number of actions that I need to do that day.
9. What’s your guilty pleasure?!
Time wasting… I love it. I believe it’s good for us.
10. Favourite holiday destination?
I don’t have a regular place I return to. I lived in Porto for a short time and I miss it, so my next trip will be to Portugal. I want to explore Italy too. I like drinking little espressos and watching people in the street.
11. What is your earliest child memory?
This isn’t my earliest memory but I remember asking my granny how high she could jump. She bent her knees and tried to launch herself into the air. It wasn’t an impressive display but I really enjoyed it.
12. What do you think is the key to happiness?
Being silly and kind and remembering very little really matters.
13. Window or aisle seat?
I’ll pretend I’m happy to let the person next to me choose, but I want the window.
14. What’s a super power you wish you had?
Easy! I’d control time. I think about this constantly. I’d like to pause time and operate in my own uninterruptable bubble.
15. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
There are two. 1. Be on time and pay attention. 2. Don’t underestimate people. I don’t always follow the first one.
@okdavid_
www.okdavid.com