Meet Lilli Tollefson | Background & Prop Designer

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

Hi Lilli, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
During my animation studies through SCAD, I didn’t just face the typical challenges of coursework, I also juggled a full-time service management position often tackling 40+ hours a week to my existing workload. I do believe It was a period that molded my resilience, but looking back, I realized the significant toll it also took on my well-being.

These days, I’ve consciously shifted gears, choosing a more intentional and uplifting approach to work-life balance. I push myself to cultivate healthy habits, scheduling out dedicated workdays to meet deadlines while also making time for well-deserved breaks.

This idea of intentional living has not only rejuvenated my creative spirit but has also been a powerful antidote against burnout, especially in the high-speed industry I’m part of. It’s a mindset that not only enhances my productivity but also ensures a fulfilling and balanced life.

To recharge, I like to escape into nature, taking long hikes with my energetic Australian Shepherd, Cosmo. Whether I’m exploring new trails, scouting new breakfast spots, or immersing myself in the vibrant art scene of the city, these experiences are my go-to reset buttons after a whirlwind week.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a background and prop designer for animation. The power of world-building and creating environments that unfold with a character’s storyline has always captivated me from an early age.

Raised as a nomadic “van life baby”, I’ve traveled extensively throughout my childhood, inspiring my love for art, narrative, and the world around me. This unique upbringing has played a huge role in shaping my artistic journey.

The adventures with my family, particularly during road trips in our vintage Volkswagen camper, significantly influenced my artistic perspective. Sketching the organic shapes and landscapes encountered during those trips became an instinct. However, it was through my studies at SCAD when background and prop design as a profession took a clear form.

The moment of truth occurred during my senior year when I contributed as a background and visual development artist to the collaborative thesis film, ‘Top of The Shelf’ (TOTS). The film garnered multiple awards, including being a finalist for the 2021 Rookie Awards and a semi-finalist for the Student Academy Awards in 2021, among others. TOTS’s success intensified my passion for film, and I’ve been actively pursuing roles in background design since.

My journey did face challenges along the way, notably post-college during the pandemic when I ventured into the publishing industry as an artist agent. While rewarding, it consumed a significant amount of time, and deep down, I felt a longing to return to my roots as an artist.

When the company underwent layoffs, and I was affected, it became a turning point. This experience prompted a crucial decision: the next role I took would be one allowing me to focus solely on my art. Despite the stress of facing unemployment and financial responsibilities, I recognized this as a unique opportunity to dedicate myself to building the career I genuinely wanted.

Today, I am not just pursuing, but actively crafting the career of my dreams. Embracing freelance projects, expanding my network, and thriving in a mentorship with the Women In Animation winter program, I am determined to create opportunities for myself. This journey reinforces my belief that I’m not just following a career; I am forging it.

So my takeaway from all this is to think of the setbacks as stepping stones, and in a world filled with challenges, know that you have the power to create your own opportunities. As my art journey continues, I learn to embrace every rejection as a chance to build the right path to a career I love.

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?
Exploring is one of my absolute favorite things to do, and my favorite thing about living in LA, is that all my most loved places are a Meer 30 minutes each direction. I’ve spent a lot of time in Laguna Beach, hiking Valido Trail for the breathtaking oceanfront views, spending a beach day at Crystal Cove, or grabbing breakfast at Ahba (try the French toast!). I’ve also enjoyed my time engaging in new hobbies, like pottery, POT LA is an incredible pottery studio, offering fun classes and they always have something new going on for the community. Those are just a few of my favorite things!

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 want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family, who’ve been my rock throughout this incredible artistic journey. They’ve invested just as much passion and enthusiasm into the wild world of art as I have over the years.

Additionally, immense credit goes to my friends and partner for their unwavering support, standing by me as I pursue my aspirations and career goals. Their constant encouragement is a daily reminder of why I am so deeply passionate about working in this industry. It’s the incredible individuals you meet along the way and have the privilege to collaborate with that make this journey truly fulfilling—a journey dedicated to creating amazing storytelling.

Lastly, I’d love to give a shoutout to my Women In Animation mentor Brianna Contes for helping me out on my artistic path and providing immense guidance and moral support in my career.

Website: https://lillitollefson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillitolliearts/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lilli-tollefson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lillitolliearts