We caught up with the brilliant and insightful George Ahlmeyer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi George, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Growing up, I faced significant challenges. I wasn’t naturally the brightest student and often struggled to grasp concepts, but I was fortunate to have incredibly supportive parents. They worked tirelessly with me, arranging tutors and helping me close any gaps in my understanding. Their encouragement, combined with my relentless effort to study and retain information, built a strong foundation of perseverance that has influenced every aspect of my life.
In high school, I applied that same determination as a baseball player. Even during the winter and off-season, I trained with additional coaches to improve my skills. This commitment to growth and self-discipline carried over into college and my transition to adulthood. Today, I juggle multiple responsibilities—holding down jobs while pursuing further education—continuing to prioritize personal development and resilience.
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?
At the start of 2024, I faced an unexpected challenge when I was laid off from my full-time job. Rather than viewing it as a setback, I embraced it as an opportunity for growth. By staying mindful of my spending, I’ve been able to invest in mentorships and dedicate more time to creating. I’ve also become actively involved in online communities like Warrior Art Camp and Warrior Painters, which have been invaluable sources of inspiration and connection.
The most important lesson I’ve learned during this time is the power of showing up and staying consistent. My focus is on finding my next professional opportunity while continuing to grow creatively and further define my voice in my work. I find joy and fulfillment in plein air painting with gouache, sketching on location, painting landscapes, and creating illustrations, all of which reflect my deep passion for art and storytelling.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Soft skills are often more critical than technical skills. While technical abilities can be developed with time and practice, mindset is everything. For me, three key components guide my approach:
1. Consistency
Consistency is the foundation of growth. The more you practice, the more you improve and see results. I incorporate this into my daily routine by doing 5-minute paintings or drawings in the mornings with friends on the Warrior Painters server. These quick sessions serve as warm-ups but also build mileage over time, much like consistent reps in a gym strengthen muscles. This steady effort has been crucial in my creative journey.
2. Observation
In today’s world of endless distractions, observation is a skill that’s easily overlooked but incredibly valuable. To sharpen it, I meditate every morning. This practice helps me slow down and ground myself before the day begins, allowing me to truly see, not just glance. Observation goes beyond the surface—it’s about noticing the interplay of light and shadow, the shapes and colors that create a scene, or understanding how things function. Slowing down creates the space for deeper insights and creativity.
3. Community
Community has become the most meaningful aspect of my journey recently. As a natural introvert, I initially enjoyed the solitude during the COVID lockdowns. However, over time, isolation set in. Taking online classes introduced me to Discord workrooms where I connected with other artists. Hanging out in voice channels, sharing feedback, and working alongside others allowed me to form strong relationships. Post-lockdown, I began meeting these people in person at painting meetups and conventions, which has deepened my sense of belonging and collaboration.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
It’s hard for me to pinpoint just one person who has shaped my journey—there have been so many who have played pivotal roles along the way.
My Mentors
Ty Carter, Tyler Edlin, and Tayler Olivas have been instrumental in helping me grow beyond my foundational skills. Their guidance has pushed me to focus more on design principles, preparing me to transition into roles in animation or games. Their mentorship has been a transformative experience, giving me the confidence and tools to evolve as an artist.
The Warrior Painters and Warrior Art Camp Crew
This community has become like a second family to me. Everyone is so welcoming and open that I consider them some of my closest friends. The group includes people from all walks of life—fellow classmates, teachers, and artists I’ve met along the way. It’s an incredibly supportive and collaborative space, where we often spend our days working on freelance projects while chatting on the Discord server. The sense of camaraderie and shared passion for art has been invaluable.
Friends and Former Co-Workers at Riot
During my time at Riot, I was fortunate to work alongside incredibly supportive and encouraging people. Beyond my direct teammates, I also connected with others through figure drawing sessions hosted at the company. When some of my friends left, they entrusted me with running the group—a responsibility that turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Organizing those sessions allowed me to meet a diverse range of talented individuals, share countless laughs, and find endless inspiration. It was a true testament to the power of art to bring people together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.georgeahlmeyerart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgerahlmeyer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.r.ahlmeyer/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeahlmeyer/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/georgerahlmeyer
Image Credits
George Ahlmeyer
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