Meet Andrea Gianchiglia

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrea Gianchiglia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrea below.

Hi Andrea, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Growing up, I was glued to the TV whenever Bob Ross came on. There was something magical about the way he spoke—so calm, so encouraging. He made you feel like you could do anything. Watching him, I wasn’t just mesmerized by his happy little trees; I was absorbing his confidence, his belief that art was for everyone. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those moments planted a seed in me.

As a kid, I had a dream of becoming a veterinarian. I adored animals and thought that was the best way to show my love for them. But reality hit me hard when I realized that being a vet wasn’t just about helping animals—it also meant making difficult decisions that I knew I couldn’t handle. It broke my heart. I needed another path, and luckily, art was always there.

Art had been my constant companion, so I followed that passion and went to school for illustration. I mastered different mediums, learning the ins and outs of technique, storytelling, and composition. I loved the art world, but something was missing. I didn’t know what it was… until life threw me a curveball.

One day, I was asked to teach an after-school art class for kids. I had never considered teaching before, but I thought, Why not? So, I gave it a shot—and I fell in love. Seeing those kids light up when they created something of their own was like watching tiny sparks of confidence ignite. It was contagious. One class led to another, and before I knew it, I was teaching more and more. Eventually, I transitioned to teaching teens and adults, and that’s when it hit me—I had found my true purpose.

Teaching wasn’t just about sharing techniques or guiding people through a project. It was about building confidence in others, just like Bob Ross had done for me. I realized that my own journey—navigating self-doubt, learning to trust my instincts, and embracing my creative path—had prepared me to help others do the same.

Now, when I teach, I don’t just show people how to create—I show them that they can create. I meet them where they are, guiding them through that uncomfortable “puberty phase” where a painting looks awkward before it comes together. I remind them that every artist faces that moment of doubt, and that’s where growth happens.

Interestingly, I still get my “animal fix” through my pet portraits, which allows me to honor my childhood love of animals by immortalizing them on canvas. But teaching? That’s where my heart is. My purpose snuck up on me, unfolding in unexpected ways, and I’m so grateful it did. Everything in my life—my love of animals, my art education, and the quiet confidence I learned from Bob Ross—prepared me for this path.

Now, I’m on a mission to spread that confidence to everyone I teach, helping them see that creativity isn’t reserved for the gifted few. Anyone can create, and I’m here to make sure they believe that. And who knows? Maybe I’ll be someone’s Bob Ross one day. ❤️

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My Journey and What I Do:

I’ve built a career that blends my two greatest passions—art and teaching—into something I truly love. My work is divided into two main areas:

🎨 Custom Animal Portraiture & Fine Art
At AndreaGianchiglia.com, I focus on capturing the unique spirit and personality of beloved pets through custom animal portraits. Animals have always had a special place in my heart, and I love the challenge of bringing them to life on canvas. Whether it’s a soulful dog’s gaze or the delicate features of a cherished cat, I’m passionate about immortalizing these connections. Alongside my commissions, I also offer a variety of fine art pieces that reflect my love for animals, nature, and storytelling through art.

📚 Teaching & Inspiring Through Art
On the other side of my work is Create & Inspire, createandinspire.art my teaching platform that’s full of courses, memberships, and art programs designed to nurture creativity and build confidence. This is where I get to empower others to discover their artistic voice. I offer:

🎥 À La Carte Courses – Available anytime, covering a variety of mediums and techniques.

🖌️ The Creative Journey Membership – A thriving online community where I guide members through a variety of creative topics, providing monthly challenges, step-by-step projects, and personalized support. Enrollment opens a few times a year so I can dedicate my energy to nurturing and engaging with my members.

✏️ Sketch & Inspire Subscription – A low-cost, beginner-friendly subscription that delivers black-and-white sketching challenges and a quick 5-minute demo each month to help sharpen skills one sketch at a time.

🧑‍🎨 Creative Compass Program – A structured portfolio-building program for high school students aiming to develop strong, diverse portfolios for art school applications. I love working with rising artists, helping them refine their vision and prepare for the next step in their artistic journey.
What Makes My Work Special:
What excites me most is building confidence in others. Whether it’s an aspiring artist nervous about their first sketch or a client trusting me with a cherished memory of their pet, I approach everything I do with a focus on creating connection and fostering growth. I’ve been in that space of self-doubt where it feels like the “good artists” are born with talent. But I know firsthand that skill and confidence can be built, and I’m passionate about showing others that they can do it too.

What’s New and Exciting:
🚀 My Teaching Site Just Launched!
I recently launched Create & Inspire, where artists can explore courses, join my membership, and access personalized instruction through live and recorded sessions. It’s a space where I can pour my energy into helping artists grow at their own pace.

🎨 Expanding In-Person & Virtual Offerings
In addition to my online offerings, I host in-person workshops and classes and even workshops to Italy that bring people together to learn and create in a supportive environment. I’m also adding more virtual live classes that allow students to connect from anywhere and get real-time feedback.

📚 Creative Journey Guidebook Coming Soon
I’m working on a Creative Journey Guidebook, a 12-month workbook filled with goal-setting prompts, project checklists, and inspiring challenges to help artists stay organized, inspired, and confident. It will be available first to my members and later as a paid offering.

🐾 More Custom Pet Portraits Coming!
My animal portrait work is always evolving, and I’m looking forward to introducing new fine art pieces and expanding my commission offerings to connect with even more pet lovers.

At the heart of everything I do is a desire to inspire and empower others—whether through capturing the essence of a beloved pet or guiding an aspiring artist to embrace their creative potential. I truly believe that anyone can create, and I’m here to help them discover that joy. ❤️

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?

Three Qualities That Impacted My Journey:

🎨 1. Embracing the Dark—Literally and Figuratively
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is “Don’t be afraid of the dark.” This applies both in art and in life. When I first started, I was hesitant to push my dark values in my paintings. I kept things too light, too safe, and my work lacked depth. But once I embraced those deep, rich tones, everything changed. My paintings came to life. The same was true in my creative journey—I had to be willing to step into the unknown, face challenges, and push past self-doubt. Growth happens in the uncomfortable, messy middle. I always tell my students, “You can’t have light without dark.”

💡 Advice:
For beginners, don’t shy away from making mistakes or tackling things that feel intimidating. Whether it’s trying a new medium or putting your work out there, lean into the discomfort. That’s where the magic happens.

💜 2. When in Doubt, Add Purple—Find Your Unique Voice
“When in doubt, add purple” became a playful mantra for me over the years, but it represents something deeper: adding your own flair and trusting your instincts. Early on, I was so focused on doing things “the right way” that I forgot to trust my own creative instincts. Once I gave myself permission to experiment, play, and add my own spin to things (hello, purple!), I found my artistic voice.

💡 Advice:
Don’t get stuck trying to mimic others. Learn the foundations, but then allow yourself to break the rules and make it your own. The best artists aren’t just technically skilled—they have a voice, a perspective that shines through their work. Give yourself permission to explore that.

🚀 3. Never Give Up—Perseverance and Curiosity
If there’s one thing that’s carried me through this journey, it’s perseverance. Art isn’t a straight path—it’s filled with twists, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But I’ve always been curious, eager to learn more, and willing to try again when things didn’t go as planned. When I transitioned from illustration to fine art and teaching, I had no idea it would become my passion. But I stayed open, followed where my curiosity led, and now I can’t imagine doing anything else.

💡 Advice:
Stick with it. When something feels hard or frustrating, remember that every artist (even the greats) went through that phase. Stay curious—explore new mediums, take classes, and surround yourself with a supportive creative community. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence and curiosity, you’ll get there.

✨ Final Thought: Follow Your Dream, No Matter What
Your journey won’t always look the way you expect it to—and that’s okay. Mine didn’t. I thought I’d be a vet, but life had other plans. And looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Whether you’re just starting or feeling stuck, trust your path and keep going. You never know where it might lead. ❤️

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The Most Impactful Thing My Parents Did for Me:

Without a doubt, the most impactful thing my parents did was support me wholeheartedly in following my dream.

My mom, who became a widow when my dad passed away when I was just four, was an incredible role model of strength and perseverance. She worked so hard as a single mom, balancing everything while making sure I never felt like I had to give up on my passion. She never questioned my decision to pursue art, even when it wasn’t the most “practical” path. Instead of steering me toward something safer, she encouraged me to follow my heart and believed in me when I doubted myself. Her unwavering support gave me the confidence to keep going, even when things got tough.

At the same time, I feel like I carry so much of my dad’s entrepreneurial and creative spirit with me. Though he wasn’t physically there, I’ve always felt his presence guiding me along the way. He had a knack for thinking outside the box and pursuing his passions, and I see that same drive in myself—especially as I’ve built a career that blends my love for art and teaching.

My mom’s resilience and my dad’s creativity shaped who I am today. Their influence is woven into everything I do. Without my mom’s constant support and my dad’s quiet inspiration, I wouldn’t be where I am now—living out my purpose, sharing the love of art, and helping others discover their own creative journey. ❤️

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Andrea Gianchiglia
Rob Carpenter

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