Meet Victoria Langford

We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Langford recently and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, 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 found my purpose through my natural gifts and passions, and where they resonated with the community. I heard a call deep within myself towards the particular vocations of art, music, and fitness, and I felt anxious when not dedicating time towards those pursuits. However, I also think finding your purpose is a continual journey throughout your life, and there are seasons where your purpose shifts.

It has been a long journey to live out my purpose more fully, because we live in a world with its own systems and agendas. Over time, though, it has become less “I do art,” and more, “I find purpose in creating a certain type of painting to inspire a thought or feeling in whoever views it.” It is also helpful to have a close crew of people around you that can speak truth into your gifts and blind spots, encourage you, and give feedback.

When I was younger I would simply pursue things, but now that I am older, I pray about it and discern if it is the right direction at this time.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am currently an oil painter, graphic designer, and yoga instructor.

I love to paint, and have created a body of work that includes realistic still life, plein air, and conceptual abstract paintings. I love showing my process and seeing how people interact with my work. My work is available for purchase or commission at victorialangfordart.com, and I keep an active instagram account @victorialangford.art.

I am also a graphic designer, and I love working with entrepreneurs and small businesses to help put their best aesthetic foot forward. I believe strongly in excellence, beauty, and clear communication. I believe that all humans are creative, and it is so exciting to help foster another’s creativity because it is life giving to that person, and helps make the world a better place.

I am also a yoga instructor. Previously in life, my fitness pursuits always took a backseat to more cerebral pursuits, but becoming an instructor has been amazing. I feel strongly that the practice helps our physical longevity, injury prevention, and healing, in addition to the amazing mental benefits of deep breath and relaxation. I love being able to foster those experiences for others. I teach a weekly class in Boca Raton, FL for a fitness ministry called Eleventh Element, along with other pop-ups in various locations. I also keep an active instagram account for yoga @victorialangford.yoga.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I think when you’re just starting out, it’s important to be open to trying new things, and release the expectation that you are going to graduate college and immediately get your dream job and change the world.

Additionally, I think it’s important to not make your identity about your work. You could be trained as a neuroscientist, but there is still great value in being a barista for a season. I think orienting your vocation to be a form of service, instead of glorifying yourself, is an important paradigm shift.

Practically speaking, learning a trade that is in demand in the world is also very helpful. I became a graphic designer out of luck and need, and it has been the gift that keeps on giving. Something like graphic design, videography, or coding are incredibly, incredibly useful. Not only can I work as a graphic designer, I can also graphic design for my other pursuits. I’m so happy to have that skill set so I don’t have to outsource it.

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?

My dad definitely helped me so much in these areas. Our skill sets were very different—he had a career in business and finance—but he was a steady constant in terms of giving advice on how to navigate the world. It was incredibly valuable to have his experienced perspective, which resulted in patience and even-keeled responses to any situation. While his advice often felt overbearing in my youth, I greatly appreciated his help in my adult life and am so grateful for the time we spent together before his passing in 2020.

Beyond this world, my relationship with Jesus has been key in overcoming any obstacle. It has totally changed my idea of success, which has liberated me of the intense pressure and anxiety of the world’s demands and others’ opinions. When you’re working for Him and not the approval of others, there is peace that surpasses understanding.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Franccesca Canales

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where does your optimism come from?

Optimism is the invisible ingredient that powers so much of the incredible progress in society

Confidence
Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Learning from one another is what BoldJourney is all about. Below, we’ve shared stories and

Resilience
The Power of Persistence: Overcoming Haters and Doubters

Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made