We recently connected with Angela Gooliaff and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Angela, 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?
Paradoxically, working hard is the easiest way to achieve anything. There is often too much wasted energy and time put into procrastinating and complaining. Honestly, for me, it is easiest to simply put my efforts into achieving my goals.
The genetic origins of my work ethic trace back to my family. My ancestors immigrated here under tough circumstances and had to rebuild their lives as outsiders. Nothing was ever taken for granted. For instance, my grandparents built their own family homes, constructing one room at a time based on their income. I recall my grandmother’s stories of saving every penny from the farm to buy materials. Even my dad, as a teenager, helped build the second bedroom, having shared one tiny room with his three siblings. This mindset of strategic, hard work was passed down to me from them.
Watching my parents also work hard at everything had a profound impact on me. They belonged to a generation that didn’t rely on digital technology for solutions; instead, they possessed invaluable problem-solving skills. For instance, we didn’t have a consistent source of water, so every spring, we relied on spring runoff. As soon as the snow started to melt, we were all out trenching water into our dugout.
I admire these qualities. Consequently, I approach my goals by methodically planning out the steps and assembling the necessary team to accomplish them. The satisfaction of transforming an idea into reality is unparalleled. Moreover, involving others in the process fosters a sense of community through the shared struggles and triumphs of teamwork.
Admittedly, part of my drive comes from wanting to keep up with my older siblings and cousins. It was too easy for them to exclude me from activities due to my small size or the typical limitations associated with being younger, so I worked tirelessly to catch up. They are all successful in their careers and lives. I suppose I am still working tirelessly to keep up with them, striving for excellence in my own creative endeavors.
The coolest thing about working hard is reflecting on where I started. The direct and quick results of hard work are rewarding. Additionally, the skills, friendships, and opportunities that stem from putting in effort are invaluable. Rewarding myself for a job well done is the icing on the cake — it’s the best feeling.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Ever find yourself saying, ‘I don’t have a creative bone in my body’? I often hear these phrases after mentioning I’m a children’s book illustrator and an actor. These words act like pesky thieves, snatching your creative joy. My goal? To banish these beliefs and dive into a world of pure fun and imagination – for you and your kiddos!
At the beginning of each month, I release free coloring pages to my email list. Even though the target audience is children aged 2-6, it is the best feeling when adults, who you would never expect to pick up a crayon, send me a photo of the pages they colored. It warms my heart.
I believe everyone benefits when they allow themselves the freedom to play in the creative arena without the judgment of being as good as one of the great masters. In fact, when I saw the early life drawings by Rembrandt, I smiled because his work resembled the drawings of my classmates while I attended Emily Carr University.
My next goal is to assemble a team for a YouTube channel featuring 1–2-minute animations for kids ages 2-5, accompanied by a hard copy book for people to enjoy. Wish me luck! While I am planning for this fun-filled adventure, you can check out over 30 books I have illustrated for authors at FriesenPress Publishing on my website: angelagooliaff.com or under the pen name AntArtist on Amazon where I recently released an ‘I Love Animals’ coloring book for kids.
If you want to find me in action, you can literally hear me doing described video for Netflix on shows like ‘Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight,’ ‘Dogs in Space,’ and ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse.’ Described video (or audio description) makes media accessible to more people. I narrate descriptions of a program’s main visual elements. It makes me happy to know that I am making life easier and more enjoyable for people.
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?
It’s time to put on your business hat. If I can save even just one hardworking creative some time and struggle, then I will consider this interview a massive success. While everything you learn in university, college, or any fine institution is valuable, it’s crucial to transition into an entrepreneurial mindset as soon as you hit the pavement of employment, because a creative career is nothing more than business.
The cliché of the starving artist is such an avoidable trap if we arm ourselves with business sense. Here are my main pieces of advice for those early in their careers:
- Art is Business: Treat your craft as one. I often refer to myself as a Business Creative to emphasize professionalism. Early in my career, people would offer payment for return of my hard work with phrases like, ‘We’ll feed you!’ Not only is it insulting to not be paid, but it can also lead to burnout. Many creatives burn out and quit not because of lack of ideas or talent, but due to years of working too many other jobs because they aren’t compensated like our peers in other industries.
- Find Mentors: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance based on their experiences. Invest in a business coach if possible. Some of the brilliant minds that I’m also learning from online include Tony Robbins, Amy Porterfield, Rachel Harrison-Sund, Alexa Bigwarfe, and many more fun business-minded folks.
- Persistence is Key: You gotta get scrappy. This means getting your work out there, even if it’s not perfect. Seek feedback for improvement while it’s still a work in progress. If something doesn’t work the first time, try something else. Keep trying until it works! This is common advice from my mentors.
An additional tip for anyone in the illustration world: Challenge yourself to ‘Draw what you see and not what you know.’ This mindset shift can revolutionize your approach to drawing by focusing on observation rather than preconceived notions.
If you treat your work like any other business owner does, you will arm yourself and your profession to weather the ups and downs of the economy. Here’s to your success in the exciting journey ahead!
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
As an avid reader, it’s challenging to single out just one book that has profoundly influenced me, but “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl stands out as particularly impactful. This timeless work resonated with me deeply, especially during a period when I was struggling to be taken seriously in the business world. Frankl’s exploration of finding meaning in the face of adversity reminded me that true freedom lies in our ability to navigate the internal struggles and trappings of our own minds. His insights helped me reframe my challenges and find purpose even in difficult times!
Another book that has been instrumental in my personal and professional development is “Two Weeks Notice” by Amy Porterfield. Porterfield’s step-by-step blueprint for designing a business has been invaluable to me, particularly as someone with no prior business background. I’ve read the book twice, completed two of her online marketing courses, and regularly tune in to her podcast, “Online Marketing Made Easy.” Her practical advice and easy-to-follow strategies have empowered me to take actionable steps towards building and growing my business. For instance, she stresses the importance of growing your email list, which is something I now prioritize and actively work on.
Both of these books have had a profound impact on me, shaping my mindset, guiding my actions, and fueling my aspirations. They remind me of the power of resilience, purpose, and strategic action in achieving personal and professional success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.angelagooliaff.com
- Instagram: @antartist
- Facebook: Angela Gooliaff Artist
- Linkedin: AngelaJoelleGooliaff
Image Credits
Ashley Ross Studios
