Meet Albert Lim

We recently connected with Albert Lim and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Albert, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

I love this question. As I get older, I find it a bit harder to wake up feeling optimistic, especially when I’m constantly bombarded with bad news and click-bait headlines as soon as I check my phone. Whether it’s ongoing wars, natural disasters, or other tragedies happening around the world, it can feel overwhelming at times. But what genuinely gives me hope and optimism is my family/partner and friends. I’ve been incredibly blessed to grow up surrounded by so much love, and I consider myself lucky to have people in my life who accept me for who I am and continue to support me, even during moments when I struggle to like myself.

When life feels particularly challenging, I often turn to animated films. They’ve taught me so much about life, and as I grow older, I find myself connecting more deeply with their messages. I always relate to Carl Fredrickson from Up. Some days, I wake up feeling tired, grumpy, and not as social or extroverted as I’d like to be. But just like Carl, who took that first brave step out the door, I remind myself that every time I push through those feelings, I never regret it. His realization—that his true adventure was the life he shared with his wife Ellie—resonates with me deeply. It’s a reminder to look back and appreciate the incredible people who’ve supported me on my own journey. I’m still learning that my adventure is unfolding every day, thanks to the love and care of those around me.

I hope that makes sense!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a visual development artist for animated films, which means I get to draw and create entire worlds for animated projects. It’s an incredible opportunity to dream up places that could never exist, all from the comfort of my office—sometimes while still in my boxers! Whether it’s designing a magnificent temple perched on a meteorite floating in space or envisioning an ancient oasis hidden within a massive waterfall, I get to explore these worlds in my mind without ever needing to book a flight.

The most exciting part of my work, hands down, is twofold: first, the collaboration. I’m lucky to work alongside some of the most talented and creative individuals in the industry. And second, I get to wear so many different hats, becoming an expert in the worlds I help create. When I’m assigned a new project, it’s my job to dive deep into research and find the relatable elements that will resonate with an audience. But within that relatability, I also need to push the boundaries and bring something fantastic and magical to life. Every project is a learning experience, and that keeps me constantly growing.

And, of course, the third reason I love my job—I get to draw and color for a living. How awesome is that?

When I’m not at my desk drawing, I’m also the Co-Founder of a nonprofit called Global Education Connection, which I started with my best friend, Carter Beck, who is the Founder and Executive Director. Our mission is to provide refugee children affected by war and conflict with educational supplies. Whether it’s backpacks filled with notebooks and pencils or coloring tablets and crayons to help them express their emotions, we’re committed to giving these kids the tools they need to learn and heal.

I’m incredibly grateful for this work, not just because I get to collaborate with my best friend, but because I’ve had the privilege of meeting amazing people around the world. These are people with such big hearts, who dedicate themselves to helping others, often as volunteers, and they do it without seeking recognition or praise. Meeting the children we support has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Seeing them learn and create with the supplies we provide always brings a smile to my face.

We’ve worked in many parts of the world, from supporting children affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to helping Syrian refugees who have fled the civil war and devastating earthquakes. We’ve also worked with children in Mexico impacted by cartel violence. This year, we’re expanding our efforts to help Palestinian children in the West Bank and the Yazidi people in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

The team at Global Education Connection is truly remarkable, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my time outside of art. This work brings so much meaning to my life, and I’m thankful every day for the opportunity to make a difference.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I don’t have all the answers yet, as I’m still learning every day, but if I could share one piece of wisdom with anyone early in their journey, it would be this: be open to change, and don’t believe that who you’ll become in the future is limited by who you’ve been in the past.

There were many times in my life when I doubted things would work out for me, simply because I couldn’t shake the memories of who I used to be. Growing up, I was a pretty insecure kid, and I often masked that with fake optimism and joy. Deep down, I felt like I could never truly aspire to be better—whether that meant becoming a better artist, a leader, or even a loving father one day. But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized that who you were in the past doesn’t have to define who you are in the future.

One thing that has helped me is exposing myself to different perspectives and surrounding myself with people who challenge and inspire me. But the real key has been reminding myself—constantly—that I’m capable of so much more than I used to believe.

A great example is Remy from Ratatouille. He dreamed of being a chef, but how could a rat from the streets ever make it in a French kitchen? That didn’t stop him. The movie ends with a powerful quote from critic Anton Ego: “Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.” Hearing that resonated with me deeply. It helped me realize that I am far more capable of growth and change if I’m willing to let go of the narratives I’ve held onto about myself. We all are.

Your past doesn’t have to dictate your future, and the more you embrace that, the more you’ll find you’re capable of transforming—not just for yourself, but for others as well. Whether it’s becoming a better artist, a stronger leader, or even a loving father, you are always capable of change and growth if you allow yourself to believe it.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

I’ll keep this short. My parents were terrible partners to each other, but they were the best mother and father anyone could ask for. What they gave me and my sisters was a deep sense of grace and forgiveness, both for others and for myself. They taught me that no one is perfect, and that everyone is trying their best—even when they fail. And that’s okay.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://albertosaurus.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albertlim1/?hl=en
• Other: https://www.globaleducationconnection.org/

Image Credits

Albert Lim