Meet Heather Collins | Background Painter

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

Hi Heather, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Drawing has always been a part of my life. My mom was a graphic designer and my dad would paint motorcycles as a side hustle, so it ran in the family. I was always the artistic one in my elementary school and would often get into trouble drawing on the sides of the math exam. I knew I wanted to have a career as an artist but I needed to figure out a practical way of making that happen. I would often create stories and comics and was considering that route, I also worked at the art gallery in Brea and considered being more of a gallery artist using traditional canvas and media. But that never seemed practical, I really wanted to rise above the “struggling artist” stereotype that is always depicted. So towards the end of my college career I focused more on entertainment art. I always had a passion for movies, video games and cartoons so this seemed like a better path. I love the process of animation where many creative people come together and make something unique and compelling. There is an unlimited creativity in this art form that can make anything from your imagination come to life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Getting to where I am today was no easy journey. I’m surprised I even got through college to be honest, I had real issues with motivation and determination. I would draw and paint for myself but the thought of doing it as a career and to be scrutinized about it constantly seems unbearable for an introverted artist like myself. But luckily for me something in the back of my mind always said, “well you might as well try, what thing will you regret most on your death bed, trying or not trying?” So during the last semester in college I interned at 2 animation studios, Titmouse and Nickelodeon. I would drive for an hour and a half, sometimes more for each of these internships with the hope that one may open the door to my career.  The drive was brutal, the schedule intense, I was still taking a few classes and trying not to fall behind on that, I had never dealt with LA drivers before. But luckily in the end it paid off. Titmouse kept me after the internship. First as a receptionist, which I was terrible at. Then as a PA, which I was also terrible at. Then eventually I was able to move into an artistic position as a Background Painter on one of their shows, finally something I was good at. I’ve been at that studio for about 10 years now on various projects and its been an incredible journey. I’ve certainly learned a lot, mostly about myself and how important it is to stay determined and that its important to become comfortable with being uncomfortable, that this is the only way you can grow. I never would have gotten to where I am now if I went the easy route, or if i didnt push myself, or if I only took on projects that didnt challenge me. Its so important to see what you’re capable of under pressure. 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots in the city would be Pasadena with all the amazing gardens and museums. There is also a great pizza place there called Setebellos where you can grab a bite then go over to Vromans, one of the best book stores around. Other places I enjoy and would reccomend are the main drag in Culver City which has a great selection of restaruants and cute shops, and if you really want to let loose you can sing the night away at karaoke night at Backstage. If you want to hit the beach there is a huge selection to choose from that I would reccomend. Starting with Malibu, Santa Monica and Venice. But the area I really like is Rancho Palos Verdes. Its very out of the way but it usually isnt too busy, and the park by Point Viciente Lighthouse is my favorite spot to have a picnic and relax and do some sketching or hiking.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shout out to my parents and family who were always so supportive. I’m sure when I went to school for illustration they had their reservations but even if they did they never discouraged me. Their love and support really kept me focused and I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. Friends and colugues were also a great source of encouragement. I know without the help of some of my coworkers I wouldnt of been able to find new oppertunities and I am truley grateful of their support and I really try and pay it forward as often as I can.
I would also like to give thanks to the book The Alchemist. A book I always go back to every few years to remind myself of how strange and beautiful life’s journey can be.

Website: http://www.heatherashlyndesign.com/

Instagram: HeathBarDraws

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

Image Credits
Images are from the shows Big Mouth, Bojack Horseman, Tales from the Tour Bus, Human Resources and Disney Jr Nursery Rhymes