We were lucky to catch up with GiA Ligammari recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi GiA, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
When I moved to LA in 2016, I was an intern at Titmouse. I learned from so many artists there about “paying it forward.” So many brilliant people told me that someone once helped them learn in their career and that they felt the need to pay it forward to others. It’s something I really miss from pre-pandemic, in-office times. The ability to find camaraderie in mentorship is priceless to me. There is a lot more access to mentorship online than ever before, but it was those in person moments that really stood out to me. A mentor of mine once bought sketchbooks for me and my industry hopeful friends that I met during the internship, to encourage us to practice every day. And we did. That was the push we needed. Somebody saw us. Like, really saw us. And said, yes, keep doing that. I owe a lot to the people who helped me along the way, so I make sure I pay it forward myself. I love giving college talks, doing one on one mentorships and generally love cheering people on who I see potential in. So thank you to everyone who helped me up the ladder along the way.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I like to call myself a Visual Storyteller because just “storyboard artist” or “writer” doesn’t singularly fit, I don’t think. There are technical skills that go into every craft I take on but I think I work best when I use discipline with all of them together. I’m a voice actor, and I use my own voice to make radio plays of my scripts while writing so I that I can generate more naturalistic dialogue. I’m a storyboard artist and that knowledge informs my comic making. I used to perform in live theatre, and music always helps me produce an exciting pace to my storyboards. It all weaves together. I went to school for fine arts with a concentration in Illustration and Animation. Digging deep into the labor of process is meaningful to me in my work. I love making traditional textures to smatter all over digital work.
Collaboration is also so important to me. I love meeting new artists and collaborating on small pieces or large scale projects. When I moved to LA I’d host beach bonfires just to bring people from the animation industry together. It was glorious. I carried that through my time here and created third space events to hang out and draw. “MALL RATS: Drawl and Crawl” was my attempt at bringing artists together monthly at the Burbank Town Square to take up space in the many seating areas there and just draw together like I remembered doing when I was an intern. And I met so many cool new people that way. I also bring people together through projects like themed zines and game jams. I’d love for this interview to connect me to more artists that want to make cool crap.
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?
TENACITY. PATIENCE. CHILDLIKE WONDERMENT.
Your resilience will put you ahead of your peers, even if you perceive them as more talented than you. It takes a lot of hard work to stay afloat in creative careers. Don’t let anyone make you think it’s some sort of cake walk. Do what it takes to survive and pursue your passions. Even if that means working retail. I promise there’s no such thing as a “normie” job, every experience is relevant to making you a better artist.
I also really believe in honoring my younger self. I said in a previous interview that everything I do in my animation career is for 12 year old me. It’s true. I love going back to the basics, to playing with crayons and getting messy with tactile art. I love indulging in my favorite things in my sketchbook. I love having the technical skills of a 33 year old while honoring my child self and everything she ever wanted to make. Nurture that side of yourself when you’re lost.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m looking for little freaks like me. Follow me on socials. Is the vibe a fit? You’ll know pretty quickly. Hit me up on Instagram or email me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.virtualGIA.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/virtualgia.zip
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gialigammari?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
