We recently connected with Angela Burton and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Angela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

I have learned a lot from previous jobs and employers. I’ve learned that mistakes happen, you can’t make everyone happy all the time, and to never give up. I take everything as a learning experience and while I’m not the best at taking criticism, I know that things can always improve and if you quit, you’ll never succeed.

Angela, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Angela and I’m a graphic designer, photographer, artist, mom, wife, and lover of all things creative.

I discovered my love of graphic design when I opened my first Juxtapose magazine. I loved the uniqueness of the lay-out, the bold artwork, and the subjects they highlighted. I never knew that making things look good could be a job!

I love to create beautiful, meaningful, clever designs for clients of all backgrounds. Most people are looking for just a picture with their business name attached. But I try to go further by incorporating what that business does, who that business owner is, what unique service they have to offer, and timeless features that will make the logo last for a long time.

Along with my design work, I illustrate artwork and photograph various things. My work has been featured in the Wedgwood Historical Association Tour of Homes, Wedgwood Garden Club: Garden Tours, Mayfest, Arts Goggle, the Black Arts Expo, and many homes in the DFW area.

I am a member of the Horn St. Public Art Project in Fort Worth where me and six other artists, with the guidance of our fearless leader Dallas-based artist Darryl Ratcliffe, are building and designing an artwork in the Como community. Our group has hosted events promoting the arts, partnered with local businesses to get involved in the neighborhood, and interviewed individuals who live there to get a sense of what they would like to see in their neighborhood. The project is projected to be completed in 2028.

I am also a part of the Tournique artist collective in Mansfield; a wonderful group of artist who get together and make art for arts sake.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

“Non-creatives” in my opinion are people who gave up on art because they weren’t good at it the first time around. The world has made us believe that art is an inherent skill that you’re born with and is often put on the back-burner when it comes to funding in schools and organizations. The thing people don’t realize is that art is everywhere; from what you put on in the morning to the layout of your home screen on your phone. Art is an expression and people need to express themselves. Thinking that you’re “bad at art” because they can’t paint like Michelangelo is hurtful and regressive. Art is necessary for healing, feeling, mindfulness, releasing, growth, relaxation, happiness and life. Without art, this world would be an ugly unhappy place. Everyone is an artist and it should be taught and encouraged from an early age.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I love following other creatives on social media for inspiration, to learn, and just to support one another. I have found certain accounts to be very beneficial in learning how to do things in Adobe, what products to use/buy for my business, and how to market myself. I have also discovered other creative avenues that could be lucrative from social media. I’m not usually a promoter of TicTok, Instagram, or Facebook for mental health reasons, but as a creative resource, it has been very helpful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://angelamikloscreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Angelamikloscreative/
• Other: https://www.behance.net/angelamikloscreative