Hi, I’m Damian, and this is dnoflow Design and Artwork.

Why design/art?

I’ve loved making things since I was a kid, from legos to drawings to building mini skate parks. As an adult, my projects have ranged from woodwork to pen & ink to a 6’ tall painting. I also love design, and I’ve sketched buildings, floor plans, and studied the nuts and bolts of how buildings are made.

How about the health stuff? Why talk about that?

I’m diagnosed with bipolar, CRPS, and Ehlers Danlos, and I share this for two reasons.

The first one? I ask that you have low expectations of me. All these diseases, in one way or another, currently take up about 40 hours a week or so of time to manage. So my actual job (the art/design work) is currently a side hustle. I hope this flips someday, but for now, if I don’t respond to an email or I don’t seem as connected or active with my work, it’s likely that I’m dealing with a health stuff. If you want to feel connected to an artist or want someone who will be more available by email/DM/etc, I may not be the designer/artist for you. All good!

The second reason I mention my health issues is that I’ve learned some good info about these complicated diseases from people sharing first-hand experiences. My strategy to deal with all this has been to piecemeal their advice and cater it to myself. My hope is that I have a little nugget or two for someone else who is struggling. Throughout this health craziness, I’ve done three ten day silent retreats, meditate daily, and try to eat healthy. I’ve also done a lot of therapy and try to meet with as many good doctors as I can.

Getting sober has also been a big part of my life. It’s been 7 years since I’ve had a drink, and I plan on doing that until I die. Being able to do all the things I used to need alcohol to do (dance, have spontaneous conversations, quell anxiety, etc) is one of my favorite parts of life. It’s also nice not doing the things that make life worse.

So,

If you’re interested in my mental-health-inspired art/design work or anything else I mentioned, you can email me at damian.oleks@gmail.com. Also, if you’d like to support me financially, that would be much appreciated, and you can do so with the button below. I generally try to work on projects that I’m passionate about rather than what will necessarily get me paid. Sometimes I give my art away. So, any extra cash would be great. Thanks!

Damian

damian.oleks@gmail.com

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