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

Hi Angelia, how do you think about risk?
To look in the mirror everyday and choose to be an artist takes risk. Starting off in this field is never an easy task. You have to take risks in order to make it. You have to try things you may not necessarily otherwise try to get to where you need to be. As an artist often times your income is not set and stable and freelancing doesn’t always work out, but if you use your passion to drive you through, eventually that work and that risk you took will pay off. If you want to make it in this field you have to step out of your comfort zone, take the risk and be confident in who you are the work you create. Know that what you offer and create is worth something. You won’t always be in front of someone who values your work, but you took the risk to at least put your name out there and maybe someone else will see that and know the value of it. Risk is what drives the creative world and without it we’d be nowhere.

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.
My work varies quite a bit I have many creative passions and never try to limit myself on what I create and choose to learn. My passions started when I was young designing clothing with my father. He would draw a template and I’d color in patterns and textures. From there I began drawing and painting in general and then when I was 12 my father brought home a camera and I quickly fell in love with the art of Photography and knew I wanted to study it further. I went to the University of North Texas to pursue a degree in photography and art history, but through art school, I found more of a love for painting and studying the human figure in all forms of art. While I was studying photographer I took the chance in college to gain a little side money and started a small business making custom lighters, ashtrays, flasks, and occasionally large-scale portraits. As of late, I try to set my photographic work aside for myself because my interests have been what I would call a bit experimental over past two years. There have definitely been some ups and downs in figuring out where I stand in the art world. As the years go on I’m really allowing myself to explore as many career paths that fall before me. While I’m not fully focusing on my photography, I have kept myself close to the field. I currently work was a stylist for an amazing women owned company called Three Boudoir. Not only do I get to work with really strong female photographers, I also get to support and empower our female clients and travel around the US for that work. I have also recently started teaching fashion labs, photography and creative writing to middle through high-schoolers at a small private school in Plano. Overall my career right now is all about encouraging, supporting, and teaching my passions to a variety of different people, while also getting to learn more about myself in the creative field.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
What I love about Dallas is that it is a great place to be a creative. All around you and especially downtown there are so many murals, sculptures, art galleries etc. The DMA is a must of course but there are also some smaller galleries that deserve some attention around the design and arts districts. Deep Ellum is always a fun time, with great food, bars, iconic artwork and some of my favorite places to frequent like Jeni’s Ice-cream, Punchbowl Social, Vidorra and Stirr. There’s also great places like Truck Yard that feed my Austin-ite heart with great food trucks, drinks and creative decor. Some of my favorite restaurants are Sky Blossom downtown, Lucky’s Hot chicken and Serious Pizza. The Bishop Arts District is another one of my favorites. Its such a cute area to walk around and here is often live music performances and great places to try like Emporium Pies and Botanist. Overall, there are so many great places to go in the dallas area no matter what you’re interests are.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents have always allowed me to chase my dreams and be proud and confident in the choices I make as an artist. Family support is huge and drives the want to be successful when they back you 100%. My family has always enabled and encouraged my creative side. They have been my cheerleaders in all of my creative ventures, eager to see where life will take me next. Without that support I wouldn’t have gone into the creative world at all.

Website: www.angelialong.com

Instagram: @long.angelia

Image Credits
Angelia Long

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