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

Hi Whitney, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose to pursue a creative career because, honestly, I really can’t imagine myself doing anything else! I have loved art since I was very little. I grew up hearing Mark Twain’s quote “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” So I found the animation and game industry. Early in high school I discovered concept art books made from my favorite games and films. I realized then that I wanted to be a part of creating things people can love and enjoy.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I got my professional start in 2017 with the wonderful Atlanta-based studio, Primal Screen. I had just graduated college with a portfolio in 3D modeling and jumped right into creating characters and props for children’s animated Christmas specials. I had so much to learn, and I did learn a lot. I quickly realized that no amount of classroom lessons can make up for on-the-job experience. I really had to push my knowledge and expand my skillset to get the results that I wanted. A lot of what I learned was thanks to communicating with the incredible teammates around me. Learning to communicate and connect with other creatives is so important. I think, though, what really contributed to my personal success was never letting “good enough” be good enough. If I see that something could look better, I want to figure out how to get it there. I want whatever I work on to beautiful, and to bring life to whatever project I’m put on.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man, there’s so many choices! If a friend visited Atlanta for the first time, I’d probably start the week with taking them to Ponce City Market, and jump on the Beltline from there. Maybe stop at Inman Park for some Bartaco. (casual I know, but a favorite of mine). Another day I’d have to take them down Buford Highway for some of the best Asian food. The revolving sushi at Kura is a really fun experience, then we’d pop next door for some boba tea, then top it off with karaoke and drinks. Oh.. and I cant forget ramen at Jinya. There’s really so many things to see and enjoy – I’d have to take them to the botanical gardens & the aquarium too. But honestly, I’d love to spend the time exploring some of the trails and parks around Atlanta. There are so many beautiful places tucked away inside and around the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I absolutely have my incredible family and friends to thank. Shoutout to my family for their unending encouragement and support in pursuing what I love, and shoutout to all my amazingly talented friends that I’ve met throughout my career: You challenge me to grow, and you are what makes this journey so worth it!

Website: https://www.artstation.com/whitlanier
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitllanier/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyllanier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whitllanier

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