Meet Annisa Glover-briggs

We recently connected with Annisa Glover-briggs and have shared our conversation below.

Annisa, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I knew from a very early age that I loved art. I found myself soothed by the sound of the pencils gliding across the paper and mesmerized the way paint strokes danced in harmony and rhythm on my canvas. For me, art was and is always home to me, in my mind and spirit. I would find myself drawing for hours on end, and with anything I could get my hands on. My mom picked on this and nurtured it with buying me supplies and encouraging me to keep going. My “hobby” then turned into a deep rotted passion, getting me enrolled into a performing arts high school and leading me to FIT where I graduated with my BFA in illustration. I didn’t take art classes to become an artist. The greatest “secret” to doing anything you set your mind to is that your dreams only go as far as the work, belief, and grit you’re willing to put into them. You can’t just sit on a dream and/or your gift. You have to give it time to nurture it, grow it, and learn from it at all stages of its development.
I’ll be honest, there have been times that I wanted to give up and call it quits. I tried to compromise and live my life being “content”, but I wasn’t happy. Jim Carrey said it best ” Depression is your mind telling you it’s tired of being the character you’re trying to play”. I remember one time in particular where I was at a work event and in the midst of it all, felt my own spirit outside of my body, wondering why I was there to begin with. This was the day I realized I was really depressed, and as a result enrolled in therapy to help get me back on track. I saw progress but they wanted to put me on anti-depressants to help aid in my journey. I chose not to go that route because I came from a family with addiction issues. I want to live and celebrate a happy, vibrant, and sober life and that’s something I’m proud of. I didn’t want to find myself relying on drugs or substances to make me happy or being my only way of getting through the day. What kind of life is that? I wanted to find a much healthier solution, and found my journey back to what I loved most: art. It wasn’t easy rekindling a love for something that I lost over time. You have to show up for yourself every day and work through your challenges, even of that means admitting to yourself that this path isn’t the same as it was before. I learned that I’m not the same artist I was coming into this a long time ago, and had to let go of my previous perception of who I thought I was or wanted to try to get back to. But she was long gone, so I have to decide who I am now, and am making consicous efforts to learn, love and celebrate myself each and every day. I knew that I was living in my purpose when in times I’m faced with a challenge that could make the goal feel impossible to reach, God made way for it to happen. I knew I was living in my purpose when God removed people and things to help make room for my gift to grow, and further explore its possibilities.

Passion is one thing, but purpose is another. Purpose is defined as the reason for which something created or exists, and for me that’s art. It’s God’s way of speaking through me. When God speaks, the room grows quiet, and everyone watches and listens. I realized that this was not just a passion or a hobby to put off to the side, but a gift. Even though I face obstacles in manifesting my gift, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. What a wonderful thing to have something that helps people realize their dreams. From then on, I knew that art was my purpose. I believe that I am a direct result of my ancestors’ prayers, and that every step I take in this world that they stand with me. They dealt with the muck and depravity of what this world had to offer them, simply for their very existence. I find myself fortunate to be born in a time, place and era where things are different, and try not to take that for granted. I learned from a very early age that this world can be cruel, and life has its ups and downs, but to never let life take life out of me. You have the remember who you are, your purpose, and the only person that is going to figure this out is you. You can do anything you set your mind to.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am an artist and illustrator, and run a small business named Ani Janelle Creative Studio. I originally started AJCS in 2021 as a way to revitalize my own creative spark after a rough block and burnout following COVID and my time at after FIT. I wanted to control my own narrative as an artist and as a person and inspire others to do the same. I love being able to connect with people one-on-one and provide a customized hands-on experience. I was taught to be a hybrid artist, so I have extensive knowledge in both the traditional and digital aspects of the work. But I also allow people to explore their creative ideas and interests, so in a way, I consider myself more of a collaborator. People want to feel heard, seen, and represented in an authentic genuine way. With that said, I work with people who share the same values as me. For the future of AJCS, I would love to have my own studio and art gallery that people can come to an exhibit in person, and I want to continue working with people and having them experience their own artistic journeys. But what I found to be a shock to me was the freedom of being myself. They allow me to also take the lead and trust in myself, which is something I lost over the years. I get to create and be in the role I’ve always wanted for myself, and hopefully inspire others to do the same. Never settle for less; write it down and make it happen for you!

One of the biggest habits that I’ve made is to write down my goals, aspirations, and journey in an artist journal. I have a journal for my personal life, and one for my artistic journey. A lot of people say as an artist, a sketchbook should suffice. But I feel every artist should have a written account of their adventures, obstacles, accomplishments, and processes of projects. It’s been very helpful to see where I’ve been and where I’m going. It’s also great way to take accountability for yourself, while also beginning to develop your vision for the future. One of the greatest parts of my job is being able to look back at previous entries and being able to cross things off my list, or even circle things. To me, circling means the way has been made for it to happen and that its already in the works, or that the idea has become expanded. I try to keep an open mind and allow for expansion. Things change and it’s good to learn how to pivot.

I feel that my company is very special in the way I handle myself and my business. I try to make sure I’m on top of everything and learn every aspect of my business from not just creating art but also marketing, finance, and legal. Running a business requires you to wear a lot of hats and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. But I knew this path was meant for me because God planted the vision within me and created challenges where I’d step up to the plate, take the lead, and made a way for myself so I can help others do it for themselves in the future. I also am an avid learner and love to hear people’s stories; it makes my work that much more original, meaningful and really come to life. Right now, I offer services in children’s book illustration, brand identity, and custom art/design services. I want to explore other areas of art and would love to expand and even collaborate with other creative visionaries!

Very recently, I helped create and released a book named “IDream India” on October 11 of this year in Washington DC which was very exciting. It was a full circle moment for me; I remember being a young girl looking at books of my favorite illustrators/authors. I wanted to be one of those names on a bookshelf and inspire another little dreamer. I’m so proud to say I’ve had the blessing to be able to meet my art idols and receive great advice and guidance for them. I got to help bring someone’ s vision (20+ years in the making) to life and manifest it. Now I’m working with a mother and daughter and creating a similar experience for another little girl. Representation matters and I wouldn’t be who I am or where I’m meant to be without it. Who knows, you’ll probably see one of my own books on bookshelves someday (soon!) written and illustrated by me. It’s up to me now; the rest is still being written.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

For me, I think the three best qualities, skills, and/or areas of knowledge would be:

1) Self-Discipline and Self-Control: There’s nothing like it, and it’s usually easier said than done. You learn more about yourself, your strengths, weaknesses and limits in the process. You also learn how to show up for yourself and what works best for you, build confidence. This really helps to master traditional draftsmanship and then begin to integrate and explore digital media, because it’s not so much thrown at you at once. You’re able to use what’s available and work it to the best of your ability. So be kind to yourself and don’t put so much pressure on yourself, because you never stop learning.

2) Pivoting and Grit:
Grit is not easily attained; you have to constantly work at it and pour into yourself. You have to fly above your fears and believe in yourself. or no one else will. Pivoting is a great asset to have as a business owner in particular. It allows you move differently and not get stuck in a certain way of doing things. It also gives you time to sit back and reflect. If something isn’t working or proving to be difficult, how can you go about it in a different way? What’s another method of executing this part of my goal? Also, don’t get so stuck on a person, place, thing, or idea that you sabotage yourself. I learned this the hard way; I tried to have a perfect idea of what my business would be and tried to follow the standard of what was done before. Perfection is overrated. Some places/people are just a pitstop, not a final destination.

3) Self Belief:
You are your biggest cheerleader but can also be your worst enemy. You can get in your own way and not even realize it until it’s too late. You can do anything you set your mind to, so don’t worry about what anyone else has to say. Also don’t be so harsh on yourself; greatness takes time and nothing worth having ever comes easy. I know this is easier said than done, but sometimes you have to imagine yourself already there, and just work backwards. Also know that people will come and go in your life. Not everyone is meant to stick around, and some are there to teach you something. Trust your gut and listen to warnings the first time. For me, I see my vision for my life clear as day. It’s had alterations over time, but the ultimate goal is still there. Now I just have to find my way to get there.

BONUS: Quality over Quantity!!!
Protect your goals! Protect your goals! Not everyone will have your best interests in mind. They can leave you feeling depleted and exhausted, and in some ways disappointed. Don’t take it personally, because sometimes they just aren’t where you’re at for the moment, don’t agree with it and just don’t see it, or try to ride on it for their own personal gain. There will be times they actually project their insecurities on you, and you need to watch out for that. I would suggest determining your values, limits, and set boundaries and standards from the very beginning and stick to them. It helps build a sense of assertion, confidence, and filter out who is meant for you and who isn’t. You know yourself and your vision better than anyone, so don’t let anyone try to tell you different.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

You are the company that you keep, so it’s very important to keep in mind who, what, and where you surround yourself with because it can either make or break you. I don’t have a lot of friends, but I have the best quality of friends for me. I don’t have a lot of family that supports my vision, but the people that are meant to be in my life make it known that they love and support me, no matter what. I’m blessed to be close to my twin sister Amber and my mother Vanessa, and Nana Bettie who know me like the back of my hand. I would go to them for advice sometimes and they’ll give me tough love if need be. I also have the greatest friends that also aspire and actively manifest their goals, especially my friends Alysia, Monet, and Kayla. They know my soul, they’ve seen my struggles, fears, and pitfalls. But they’ve never judged me and always found ways to lift me up when I couldn’t find the strength to believe in myself at times. Just before I’m about to give up, they pull me in and give me fair and loving advice and guidance, always encouraging me to never give up. I’m so blessed to have been given such a wonderful foundation and start to my future that I’ll carry with me forever. This is just the beginning and I’m glad to have them with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anijanellecreativestudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anijanellecreativestudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anijanellecreativestudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ani-janelle-creative-studio/