Meet Zoë Williams | Artist, Designer, Illustrator

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

Hi Zoë, what are you inspired by?
I find inspiration practically everywhere! I draw a lot of inspiration from nature. I love landscape painting, and looking at all of the different biomes and beautiful spaces and creatures that exist on our planet. I’d say its easiest for me to be inspired when I’m exploring somewhere outside. Otherwise, I also find inspiration in art history, in music, and my friends.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is kinda all over the place, but in the best of ways! I’m someone that has always been creative, and had a drive to make things. I like to think that I’m a jack of all trades, and a master of some! What sets me apart is the wide variety of artistic things that I enjoy and can do; from traditional drawing and painting, to playing music, to woodworking. I’m most proud of my openness and eagerness to learn, grow, and to try new things.

I got to where I’m at today through an insane amount of sheer determination and hard work. My journey has not been easy in the slightest, but overcoming challenges is a part of life, and I think that trusting my gut has been key to navigating the challenges I’ve faced.

I’ve learned so much about art and design as a profession, and myself. I’ve learned to celebrate small wins, like nailing a technique or just completing a process even if the final product isn’t what I was initially expecting. I’ve learned that collaboration is super important, and now it’s one of my favorite aspects of work. And most importantly I’ve learned that patience and consistency are the best virtues to have as an artist; not rushing the work and trusting the process you’ve built through consistent practice will be your backbone when a project is difficult.

The biggest take away from my story that I could share, is to stay true yourself, trust your gut, and just keep trying. I’ve grown, changed, and evolved into the best version of myself yet, and as I’m working, practicing, and experimenting with my skills, I’m aiming to keep bettering myself every day as an artist and individual.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I absolutely love the city of Atlanta, and though I’m not a Georgia native, this is definitely my home! If I were taking my friends around the city, we would definitely spend a whole day eating at all of the incredible spots on Buford highway. Halfway Crooks is my favorite brewery here, but Monday Night Brewing is also a good spot to relax and drink a good beer, enjoy some video games, and even the occasional show. I love live music, and have enjoyed a couple shows on the rooftop at Hotel Clermont, that spot is immaculate. Spending some time outside with my dog Goose, enjoying a nice long walk or a picnic at Piedmont Park, or down by the Chattahoochee river is a must. On a rainy day, we’d have to go to the High Museum, and the Aquarium.

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 love to dedicate my story to a ton of really incredible people who have helped nurture the talent I had into the work that now supports me; so endless thank you’s to my first art mentors Rick Spivey and Jaime Franklin. Then to the amazing professors I was able to study under at SCAD, Tony Rodriguez and Thomas Burns. And for all the love and support that I have now, my boyfriend, my mom, and my amazing friends.

Website: www.zwilliams.art

Instagram: @zo.e

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/zoe-williams-artist

Other: You can reach out to me through email at: art.zoe.williams@gmail.com