September 03, 2025

33. Angela Kirkwood Rediscovered Her Passion for Animation During Covid

1 hour 22 minutes

Based in Glasgow, Angela Kirkwood is an illustrator and animator known for her whimsical, topsy-turvy worlds filled with expressive characters that inspire joy and curiosity. Having worked for clients like Adult Swim, Nike and The New York Times, her work is characterized by a unique DIY aesthetic that evokes nostalgia for childhood cartoons. Angela transitioned from a career in graphic design during the pandemic to pursuing animation and illustration full-time.

In this episode, Angela emphasizes the value of seeking inspiration beyond the screen. She shares how stepping away from the computer and immersing herself in real-life experiences fuels her creativity and helps avoid repetition. Angela believes that seeking out inspiration off-line allows for a more personal touch in her work, helping her create authentic art that resonates deeply with audiences.

Angela's approach to character design is both intuitive and intentional, capturing the essence of human emotion in a playful and engaging way. She draws inspiration from everyday interactions, infusing her characters with a sense of joy and underlying complexity. Her characters—although often simple in form—are designed to be easily animated, allowing their personalities to shine through in motion.

She also discusses the importance of community support, the impact of AI on jobs, and why life is hard, but reality TV helps. Listen, learn and stop asking for permission to be your own weird, authentic self.

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MENTIONED LINKS:

• University of Dundee: BDes Illustration
• “The Animator’s Survival Kit” by Richard Williams
• Norman McLaren (Scottish-Canadian animator)
• “Quasi at the Quackadero” (1976) by Sally Cruikshank
• Priit Pärn (Estonian cartoonist & animation director)
• Bravo TV