Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Loomis.

Hi Annie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Thanks for giving me the chance to share my story! Like a lot of artists, I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. Growing up with ADHD, art became a way of communicating and connecting with others. It gave me a sense of identity and helped me build friendships. That love for art eventually turned into one of my first jobs as a publicity intern for my community college. In that role, I designed materials for events, managed social media, and worked on projects that brought students together. It was where I first got involved in community engagement and advocacy, sparking a passion for using art to make a positive impact.

After graduating, I worked on the popular animated YouTube channel, TheOdd1sOut, for almost six years. I handled a variety of tasks—from designing backgrounds and storyboards to helping with production tasks and merchandise development. I also collaborated with other animation channels and took on freelance projects, including children’s book covers and board games.

Now, I’m back in school at the University of Washington, studying Art & Communication. Finishing my degree has always been a goal and I couldn’t be happier to have this chance to continue building new skills. Through volunteering with local organizations, I’ve been able to combine my passions for community and creativity. These experiences inspire me every day to keep pushing forward and finding new ways to grow as an artist and a person.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
2020 was definitely tough for everyone, and I felt that too. I had just moved away from home for the first time to Los Angeles for work right before COVID hit. Being stuck inside, isolated in a new city, wasn’t exactly the best timing. It definitely took a toll on me mentally and physically—like a lot of people, I was feeling anxious, down, and coping in some not-so-healthy ways. During that time, I struggled with gaining weight, then losing it quickly, which made me feel disconnected from myself and my body.

Eventually, I knew I needed a reset, so I headed back to Washington. It wasn’t an overnight fix, but having that space helped me slowly find my footing again. I started setting little goals, which eventually turned into bigger ones, like climbing Mount Rainier. Training for that climb was like a metaphor for my own mental health journey—just tackling one small step at a time, staying patient, and being consistent. The mountains gave me a chance to clear my head and reconnect with myself in a more positive way. Getting to the top felt amazing—not because it magically fixed everything, but because it reminded me I could get through tough times. It also sparked my creative energy again and reminded me why I love making art in the first place.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My previous work primarily focused on background art for animation and multimedia design. For nearly six years, I worked on animated YouTube channels like TheOdd1sOut, where I helped bring stories to life through background designs. This experience taught me how carefully designed environments can enhance a story and reinforced the value of teamwork in bringing creative visions to life. Beyond animation, I’ve had chances to work on multimedia projects using photo, video, and graphic design for events and community initiatives, giving me a broad perspective on how art can be applied in different contexts.

Since becoming an Arts Commissioner on the Cultural Arts Commission for the city of Everett, Washington, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to public projects that reflect the stories and values of my community. Now that I’m back in school at the University of Washington, I’m researching ways my art can make connections and spark conversation. I’ve been experimenting with interactive and experimental media, like QR code sculptures and motion-based installations. In learning these new techniques I aim to explore how art can engage the viewer in new and unexpected ways. I’m proud of the journey my art has taken so far, shifting from animation into community-centered projects that feel meaningful and authentic. Creating art helps me connect with others, and that’s always my focus with new projects.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories was making a short film with my friends during our last summer in middle school. I wrote and directed it, and my dad helped us out by being our camera operator and driving us around to film. It felt like we had our own little movie crew, and it was so much fun seeing our ideas come to life. When we finished the movie, we had a little premiere with friends and family. Honestly, I was surprised by how many people came and how supportive they were. Seeing everyone’s excitement made it extra special. Looking back, I love this memory because it wasn’t just about making the film—it was about hanging out together, being creative, and feeling that support from my dad and my friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annieloomisart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annieloomisart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-loomis-a59686156/
• Twitter: https://x.com/annieloomisart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shenanniegans