Meet Leisl Adams

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leisl Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leisl, how do you think about risk?
I like a challenge. If I feel like it’s something I’ve never tried, or I may never get the chance to do again, I’ll probably take it on. That’s probably why I’ve done so many different things. I’ve tried my hand at almost every department in animation at least once in my career. I’ve directed, and I’ve made a graphic novel. I like feeling like there’s some kind of progression as well. My goalposts are always changing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Story Artist, Director and Author/Illustrator. I studied Animation in Sheridan College and started working for studios as an animation assistant, then animator after my second year in 2001. When I started, animation and storyboards were still done on paper so I’ve gotten to see it evolve into what it is today. I always did comics on the side and would post them online. I did a webcomic called On The Edge for about 8 years and someone saw those and thought I’d be good at storyboards, so I started doing that. I think the most difficult part has been getting through the lean times in the industry, but I’ve always been able to find a way to get through it. I worked as an illustrator in the game industry for a while, and during maternity leave was when I focused on writing my graphic novel Batter Royale. It think being able to “hustle” has been a good skill for me. I’m always in contact with people, and always keeping my eye on what I want to do next. Being good to work with and being able to get the work done is important, but it’s also good to be somewhat flexible and wear different hats if you can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This would definitely be a food tour! I live in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. We would visit some restaurants in Chinatown. Probably eating Pho and bubble tea and sushi along the way. We would need to eat Shawarma at some point, and one of the bakeries in the Byward Market while grabbing a beavertail and walking it off along the Rideau Canal. It’s definitely worth it to drive outside of Ottawa into the Valley to see the beautiful countryside and maybe go camping at Algonquin Park. Oh and I forgot we’d have to try some Poutine!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband John, who always supports me whenever I take on a new challenge.

Website: http://leisladams.com

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisladams/

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