Meet Lilli Goldschmidt | Animator / Story Artist

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

Hi Lilli, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Before moving to California, I grew up in a very historical part of Massachusetts. My dream was always to move away from the snow and embrace the sunny California lifestyle. After I graduated with a degree in Animation, I finally could live on the west coast. My Bostonian vernacular stood out in a strange way and I was delighted by just about anything I had seen in ‘Clueless’. At first I felt I was at a disadvantage, not having all the amazing opportunities that art students had here. The more wonderful artists I met, the more I realized how much our perspectives were our most valuable asset. I redirected myself from making my art ‘fit in’ and instead had it ‘fit me’. My Hungarian roots influenced my design and shape language, the fall in New England inspired a mood, the Victorian homes in my nehiborhood helped express my love of detail. By focusing on the unique experiences I had, I could diversify and authenticate my portfolio. Being from a different state didn’t hold me back from being my best, it in fact had lifted me up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The key ingredients to my art is fun, mystery and everything nice. In my work I always think of character first, which reflects in a lot of the choices I make. In my professional career I was inspired by fellow artists to just let go, forget the rules and make every single piece your own. The less I doubted and scrutinized the better my pencil would flow. I found my best work to be on sticky notes, explaining funny stories to coworkers and illustrating the events to set the scene. I drew best when talking to people, explaining a ridiculous event that morning, or just soaking in my friends’ immense talent as we sketch together. I don’t think anyone really has an easy art journey. It’s funny how we work so hard, get rejected, cry, study, work and achieve, only to one day say ‘oh ya, no big deal.’ Underplaying our immense struggle to those around us. When I catch my friends responding in this way, I’m sure to encourage them and pump them up!
In my school and professional life, I have seen many artists compare themselves to others. It is a vicious cycle where they try to be better than someone else, rather than being better than themselves. Always strive to be the best you, be kind and keep learning.
I want people to know, that this industry isn’t easy. Everyone will have their own path and there is no guaranteed success. I got to where I am today by never giving up, having a mutually supportive community and taking initiative. No matter how many times you feel beat down, rejected, untalented or unworthy never give up. No one can replicate what you do, no one has your experience or heart. Only you have the gift of sharing it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s so difficult to summerize the California experience in just a week. But for a friend? I’ll do my best! I would first take them to the very first place I lived in California- Laguna Beach! This little canyon cove feels so separate and magical. A little town hugged by mountains on either side and the ocean right at your feet! We would go to Adonis for Kebabs and watch dogs on the boardwalk.
Another California must would be the Irvine spectrum. Since my friends are from the east coast, an outside mall is quite the rarity! We would shop and get adorable hello kitty donuts from the cafe.
A third California must would definetly be Little Tokyo. I love the food and the book shops there.
I would also love to drive out to Joshua Tree and hike in the desert! Climbing the rocks is also a lot of fun.

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?
I would like to shout out the amazing community of artists that have generously embraced me since I moved here. From my friends at Disney to my sketch group and all my artist alley neighbors. I was delighted by, in particular, by how uplifting fellow lady artists were. They took in this strange Bostonian girl and shared their work, their inspiration, they listened and encouraged, the industry wasn’t backstabbing and competitive in the way art school had framed it at all. My success would never have been possible without the support of Sasha Ishikawa, Asia Ellington, West Maatita, Annie Hobbs, Austin Faber, Sophie Shimazu, Daniel Spellman, Gabbie Zappata, Brittney Lee, Haley Carroll, Amber Aki Huang, Rocio Citron, Dylan Bonner, Victoria Robles, Elsa Chang, Amber Vucinich and so many more!

Website: lilliangoldschmidt.weebly.com

Instagram: @lillianimation

Linkedin: Lilli Goldschmidt

Youtube: Bubblegum Cartoons