Angela Kirkwood has a form of art that is unapologetic in taking a trip down fuzzy-memory lane. She describes it best: “weird and wonderful topsy-turvy worlds filled with expressive characters, that inspire joy in the people that view them”

The Glasgow-based illustrator-animator is the human embodiment of “weird meets warm,” and it’s safe to say we’re obsessed with Angela Kirkwood and her work!

From Career Confusion to Creative Magic

Post-graduation, Angela explained that she found agency life a maze: long hours, bro-culture, and values that didn’t fit. So she pivoted—pivot, pivot, pigeon—to making her own rules. The result? A joyful flurry of self-directed animations, like the charming short Marvin, born from a bout of creative block and imposter syndrome

Big Brands, Bigger Smiles

From Personal work to Profi work, Angela has collaborated with Nike, Lush, Adult Swim, Bloomberg, Selfridges, Lazy Oaf, and even Giphy Arts. Whether it’s a Selfridges splash window or a fashion collab with Lazy Oaf, her signature silliness is what sells: a smoking blue cat sweater says “confident irreverence,” and we’re here for it

Behind the Happy Colors

But Angela’s brilliance isn’t just happy accidents; it’s deeply intentional. She leans into the “endless possibilities of animation” and wild colour combos that feel right, not forced. Her process? Dive in fast, draw what makes you grin, iterate when it feels right most of all let your inner child take the wheel.

Why It Matters to Us

Angela’s story reminds us : You don’t need permission to delight!

So next time you’re outlining a portfolio or sketching out that idea, dare to drizzle on some quirk, let go a little, and remember: creativity is silly, joyful, messy… and that’s exactly how it should feel.

Want to explore Angela’s worlds further? Hit up her Instagram @angelakirkwood