An Inspired Chat with Heather Collins of Hollywood

Heather Collins shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Heather, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Im currently learning a new skill in a new industry since unfortunatly animation is a dying breed. Im turning towards the financial literacy world and looking forward to teaching people how money works and hopefully being able to bring some of my creative influence into this next adventure.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Im currently wearing two hats. The first being a professional in the animation world painting backgrounds for mostly adult animated Netflix shows. This has been my career for over a decade and I feel very fortunate to of had a strong run for such a long time. Shows like Big Mouth, Human Resources, Bojack Horseman, Bless the Harts, Solar Opposites and many others have strung together a very beautful tapestry of my work. I feel honnored and blessed to be a part of these shows. Recently though animation has hit a rough spot where theres 70%+ unemployment. So, not being one to sit around, I am currently getting a license in finance and insurance with the hope of helping others who need to improve their financial literacy,

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
A difference of opinion breaks most people down these days. And instead of being able to talk through problems or difficulties, most people would rather ostracize and shun, only making the divide deeper. I think trying to really understand someones point of view and why they feel certain emotiones from them, what is influencing the options, and giving the person the grace to have their own opinons is so important to try to get back to a time where society was in a healthier place.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There are many times Ive felt like giving up or didnt feel good enough to rise to the task at hand. Whether it was an investment that failed or a project that I didnt feel I was skilled enough to do. Its hard finding the resolve to push past the discomfort, but I know that if I had let that feeling of helplessness break me I would never be where I am now. Pushing through the hard things and ofte seeking them out is the only way one can really grow and that has certainly been my expierence.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I would think my friends would say Im loyal, curious and driven. I have a list of principles and values that I always try to stand by in everything I do.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I feel like thats almost everything. I believe there are studies on this and that humans get more satisfaction with the idea and process to get to a goal instead of the goal itself and it makes sense in an evolutionary model. You need to keep on moving and climbing the next mountain to survive and to find meaning. Ive been proud of my goals and I feel a lot of gratitude for them but I always want to keep pushing myself to the next thing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heatherashlyndesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathbardraws/
• Linkedin: http://www.heatherashlyndesign.com/

Image Credits
Luanne Collins