Interview with Angel Walker
We are so thrilled to introduce this month’s inspiring woman interviewee, Angel Walker! We love Angel’s illustration and design work and we especially love the art printable she created for July—check it out here. We hope you enjoy getting to know Angel!
Tell us about yourself!
Hello, my name is Angel and I am a freelance artist focusing on illustration, pattern design and have begun my journey into becoming a fine artist. Although I was born in Alabama, I consider Minneapolis, Minnesota my hometown where I live with my husband and three kids (two boys and a girl!). I love experimenting and have found the most unique designs have come from happy accidents!
How did you find your calling/niche/career? How did you know it was what you wanted to do?
I have always loved creating since I was a child but I didn’t fully realize that I could do this as a living until a few years ago. Focusing on my business degree in college turned into an unintentional, 10-year break from art. It wasn’t until after I had my 2nd child that I rediscovered my passion for creating. I went crazy with making patterns, sketching, and painting! Although I had no formal training I have learned a lot through online tutorials and through classes on Skillshare. My current favorite medium is making digital art on the iPad so that I can create on the go.
How has starting your own business made you feel empowered? What has it taught you about yourself?
Unfortunately, I felt that I had always been kind of an underachiever. I would talk myself out of anything that would scare me or be too “successful” lest I fail. Turning my hobby into an actual business while home with my kids sounded daunting, but every big and little win, collaboration, and every step towards my goals showed me I could and can work through my fears and be successful (whatever that meant to me in that season of life). My faith being a strong integral part to who I am, I’m a firm believer that God has given me these gifts and to be faithful to share them with others.
What would you say is the most important daily habit that contributes to your success?
Being a homeschooling, stay-at-home mom to three wonderful kids takes a lot of my time during the day, so when they are busy playing or sleeping, I use those moments to plan, research, and create my designs. I am not a highly organized person but I am learning that having some sort of plan or schedule helps me to reach my goals.
What inspires you as an artist?
When I’m able to get out, browsing in stores, observing nature centers and beautiful landscapes can really get the ideas flowing. But lately, most of my inspiration has come from all over the internet. I enjoy looking up well designed spaces on design blogs, Pinterest and Instagram to discover interesting details and to see what I’m naturally drawn to. I look at the colors and composition of a room and try to envision my art in the space.
Another favorite source of inspiration is vintage art and contemporary artists that put a modern twist on classic illustrations. Color is another thing that greatly inspires me! I am constantly saving images for color inspiration. Choosing a color palette is my FAVORITE part of designing.
Be sure to follow Angel on Instagram to see more of her colorful work!