Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Annika Cameron. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Annika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

The path of an Artist, I believe, begins in your very existence -in your fundamental relationship to the world. The way you see, relate, feel and express yourself all go into your artistry, so I believe that is first. Secondarily, comes your craft. The learning of the craft is by no means the smaller portion of that, in fact it is a learning path that goes into infinity, quite possibly! I think that the only way to learn faster is to get out of your own way. This is a paradox though because it takes a process to be able to do that, to release the psychological blocks and pre- conceived ideas about what our authentic art is supposed to be or look like. The other component is dedicated work ethic.
To me the two most essential skills for me to develop my artistic voice have been ‘drawing by the pound’ and looking deeply at all art that exists, from classical to cultural, etc.
Obstacles are everywhere!
Family, relationships, jobs, fear, time, doubt, health, energy, money!!! Learning how to incorporate these things and to utilize what they teach you makes your artistic voice more knowledgeable and complex. That’s not saying it’s easy!

Annika, 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 was blessed to be trained in the school of Dave Passalacqua Sr. a teacher who changed the landscape of illustrators and artists. I am an independent Artist who illustrates in many schools and different styles.
I work as a freelancer in editorial, design, concept art, reportage, murals, and fine art. I love the puzzle of communicating ideas visually and addressing issues of social justice.
My brand is always evolving and showing up differently depending upon what the job is.
I also teach art to all age groups – teaching being one of the best ways of learning as an artist!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Being an artist is all about resilience! The path of the creative always has a place to go and something to do when everyone else is scrolling social media or watching mindless TV. That creative road is always calling and requires endless amounts of time to build and develop ideas. In order to answer that call it means working where others rest. It means juggling family to find time to work.
I had just given birth to my second child and began a silkscreened poster series about GMO foods in an adjoining room to my bedroom. I had blacked out the windows of our only bathroom with garbage bags and had clothes lines going through the room to hang wet posters all while rocking the baby in a bouncy seat! I also painted murals in a salon around the same time holding my baby on one shoulder while painting!!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I was inspired to pursue art by my mom and her beautiful drawings that she did copying art & photographs. I had visions of making such pretty art too one day! When I finally got into the nuts and bolts of who I am as an artist naturally that idea in my mind was holding me back. The preconceived idea I had of lofty perfect art isn’t what came out of me and I had to hear that I was being ‘anal’ and it had to stop! It was a shock to me and letting go of that was hard – it was like starting over and I had already finished four years of college for illustration!
When I finally started to find my authentic artistic self it was a revelation and uncomfortable for awhile. Ultimately once I got used to it, it was an enormous relief and much more fun!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ moxydesigner