We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jill Dykxhoorn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jill, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

From the moment I could hold a pencil, I was hooked on art. Art classes were my favorite lessons in school, a place where I was happiest. Even outside of art classes I would always be doodling away on any scrap of paper I could find. My early sketches were filled with everything from the landscapes around me—trees, rocks, caves, and fields—to the mythical cat creatures that sprang from my imagination. This love of drawing was mirrored by my fascination with animation. I grew up mesmerized by films like The Prince of Egypt, El Dorado, Brother Bear, and Tales of Earthsea, not to mention the animated shows like Pokémon and Scooby-doo. What really caught my eye in these films were the backgrounds; they pulled me into their world and sparked a curiosity about how they were created.

My affection for the outdoors—hiking through different landscapes and traveling to new places—naturally bled into my art. These experiences became a reservoir of inspiration for my background environments, helping me to blend the familiar with the fantastical in my designs. When it came time to choose a direction in university, focusing on art was a no-brainer. College was more than just improving my technique; it pushed me to grow in other ways, like learning how to network. Admittedly, as someone with social anxiety, showing my work and connecting with others hasn’t always been easy. It’s a skill I’m still honing, but every challenge is a step forward in my career and continually shapes the way I bring imaginary worlds to life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Breaking into the animation and television industry was a blend of pure luck and hard work. Networking at the right time with the right people played a huge role, but it was my portfolio that really opened doors. The industry remains fiercely competitive, and getting that first opportunity to work was a critical step. I quickly learned the ins and outs of the animation pipeline, collaborating across departments, which broadened my interest from background painting to encompass conceptual design and environment design. Over time, I transitioned into a management role and found great fulfillment in mentoring promising artists. It’s rewarding to guide others through their artistic journey and watch their potential unfold.

What sets me apart from other designers is striking that perfect balance between stunning visuals and the practical constraints of time and budget. My comprehensive experience—from background painting to concept design and into management—has given me a multi-faceted understanding of the production process, making me not only a strategic thinker but also empathetic to the various challenges faced during production.

One of my proudest moments was winning an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation for my background painting work. It was a turbulent time since this was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a surreal experience of doing acceptance speeches on my couch with an iPhone and a makeshift tripod. Despite the odd circumstances, it still felt like a validation of my childhood dream of not just working in animation, but excelling at it. Despite being a private and reserved person, this journey has taught me the importance of opening up, embracing growth, and engaging more actively within the community. I’ve learned to be less reactive and more proactive, advocating for myself and for others to achieve.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Looking back, the landscape for learning as an artist has dramatically shifted since my days in school. Back then, learning was much more institutionalized. The key resources, whether they were for learning new techniques or networking, were mostly confined within the walls of educational institutions. At the time, that system seemed to hold all the keys to advancing one’s career in the arts.

Now, the avenues for learning and connecting in the art world have expanded vastly and become much more accessible. For instance, there’s a wealth of both free and paid resources online—everything from detailed tutorial videos to one-on-one tutoring sessions. Social media has opened up direct lines of communication with established artists, making it easier to learn from the best and understand their creative processes firsthand. Also the rise of professional industry conventions has transformed networking and provides rich opportunities to engage with the community and stay current with the latest trends. This evolution in resources has begun to blur the once-clear answer to whether formal education is necessary to become a professional artist. Today, your portfolio is the resume, networking is your interview, and your personality and individuality is what gets you hired.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is witnessing the evolution of a project from an idea to a fully realized creation. There’s something truly magical about collaborating with fellow creatives, each of us bringing our unique skills and perspectives, and then watching all these elements merge into something larger. Being a part of such a process, where everyone’s contributions are vital, is incredibly fulfilling.

Additionally, the personal growth I experience through my art is profoundly rewarding. Each art piece in my artistic journey serves as a stepping stone, showing just how far I’ve come from my early days as an artist to where I stand now. There’s an immense satisfaction in being able to look back and trace the progression of my skills and ideas, seeing them mature and evolve over time. This growth not only compliments my work but also deepens my love for what I do, continually renewing my passion for creation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jill-lenad.artstation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilllenad/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-dykxhoorn/

Image Credits
All artwork by Jill Dykxhoorn