Meet Raizel Lieb | Artist and Animator

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

Hi Raizel, why did you pursue a creative career?
The answer to this question is simple: I could not physically or mentally see myself elsewhere. Having a career that had nothing to do with the arts would have broken my soul. Dramatic as it may sound, I am tied so deeply into the arts that anything else would make me feel unfulfilled. Sometimes I think “Maybe it would have been easier or ‘safer’ to pursue something else” but then the thought of doing anything else makes my heart shrivel up inside. It is like being artistic is my lifeline.

I also believe the arts are as important as any other career, especially now with the rise of AI and diviseveness in communities. We need art to show that there is a bright future, hope, and belonging for all. That is why I chose to pursue it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am primarily an animator but I would also consider myself very versatile. I love concept art, character design, graphic design, background art, and environmental design. I went into university believing I would only want to animate but then graduated with a love for different parts of the production process. As of today, I am most proud of my short film “Carry Me Out”, a 2D animated narrative of a boy and a cat gathering strength to travel the world to discover their true selves and values. The making of the film taught me a lot about the animation process and working with a team. It also taught me that I want to make more short films! I am currently working on one about the dangers of AI.

There were definitely a lot of challenges getting to the point where I am today. The main one was burning out. After a semester of animating, I would experience extreme burn out where I would not animate for months at a time. There are a couple of ways I found that helps with feeling burned out:

1. Finding things to inspire me. I intentionally seek out the inspiration instead of letting it strike me randomly. Scrolling through YouTube videos has been my favorite way – finding other artists short films and animation has inspired me immensely.

2. Taking breaks no matter what. I try not to let myself work on one thing for so many hours straight. I put on a timer or write out small goals to achieve for a specific amount of time. Then I take a break and continue the cycle. This lets me look forward to the next goal with feeling well prepared for it.

I still suffer burn out. But these two tips have helped me tremendously as I continue to practice them and have lessened the feeling.

If there is a general theme behind my work and who I am as a person, it would be community is key. I tend to show this theme in my work, whether from showing isolation, looking for love, or the dangers of generative AI, community has always been the answer.

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.
This question is great because everyone who lives in Missouri says there is nothing to do here – which is wrong!

The first place I would take them to is the Arch. I believe it is a right of passage to bring visitors there and that you have failed as someone from St. Louis if you have not. I would also recommend bringing food and having a picnic under it and then having a walk around that area.

The St. Louis Art Museum is a must. It has three floors of the most fascinating paintings and artifacts. Walking around that area is also important because it is gorgeous over there.

Next, I would take them to Six Flags. I love Six Flags because of the rollercoasters. Even though they might be sore for days after, the thrills are so worth it.

The Loop in University City is my favorite casual hang out place. There are so many restaurants and clothing stores. It has music venues and my favorite record store Vintage Vinyl. I particularly love walking here because there is a sense of togetherness and artistic expression.

If they are looking for a night out, I would recommend the bars in Tower Grove. Rehab Bar and Grill and Handlebar have been my favorite go tos. Tower Grove is another part of St. Louis that I feel has a great artistic community. Recently, I went to a smaller bar called Boombox in St. Louis and they have a bright and colorful atmosphere that I would also recommend!

Lastly, I would take them to North Main Street in St. Charles because of its cobblestone and western look. I love walking the street and taking pictures. I mainly visit for the cats at Cat Zen Cafe & Lounge. I would also take them to the other cat cafes in St. Louis: Whisker Station and Mauhaus Cat Cafe.

There are so many other places in St. Louis to visit, but the above are my top favorites!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my family for continuing to being so supportive throughout my artistic journey. I am forever grateful for having a family who supports my choices in life because I understand not everyone gets to have that. I am forever grateful to my great-grandmother for passing down her artistic gene. As soon as I showed interest in art, my parents bought me all kinds of art supplies as I was growing up. My grandmother and mother bought me my first drawing tablet in high school. My father showed me music and movies that have inspired and helped my skills. All of my family showed encouragement and support when I decided to pursue an Animation degree. I will forever be indebted to the amazing members of my family for always being there and letting me share my journey with them.

Website: https://raizellieb.wixsite.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raizelita_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raizel-lieb-900783283/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raizelita3948