Angie F. Michelli Trotter

Angie Trotter, illustrator of Angel Coloring Book

Help our followers get to know you. What does a typical day in the life of Angie Trotter involve?
I am disabled and experience daily chronic, complex migraines from repeated head/brain trauma over the 30 years that I was involved in competitive gymnastics plus coaching.  Each day is an exercise in managing pain, severe sensations and phenomena, creating art, making my cards and coloring books, and keeping up with my website and Etsy shop.

My art is both a form of prayer and pain management. It is not uncommon for me to watch/listen to movies in a darkened room while drawing sitting on the floor with my service dog, Nugget.  Generally, I have three or more work spaces going at one time: 1) my large drawing project a series of 22”x30” religious icon drawings, 2) ceramic paintings, 3) drawing smaller works featuring angels, Christian Icons, florals, and fantasy creators, 4) printing, assembling, and packaging my cards and coloring books (all assembly is done in my studio), 5) photographing my artwork for my Etsy Store.

When did you first become interested in illustrating?
I have been involved in creating art since I was a small child.  My mother was a folk artist; my father was an architect and artist who would work on his floor plans in our basement and encouraged me to draw on my chalk board.  I took every art class I could through high school and then went on to receive a BA in Fine Art and Religion with a minor in Black and White Film photography.  Since college I have created illustrations for private companies and most of my artwork is in private collections throughout the southeastern US.

What are your favourite things to draw?
I have always been drawn to angels, religious icons, and fantasy creatures. 

Where do you find inspiration?
It is not uncommon for me to wake up with an idea for a drawing, or see something that sparks and idea for a drawing.  I have even been known to ask someone in a store if I could take a picture of them for a drawing (did this past week).

If you weren't an illustrator what would you be?
That is a super tough question.  I have also been trained as a Chaplain; therefore, I would have been a Hospice Chaplain if I were able to work full time.

Why do you think adult colouring books have become so huge?
They are an opportunity to escape the challenges and trails of everyday life through the relaxing activity of coloring.  Coloring allows our brains to block out other happenings, pain and concerns much like mindful meditation does.

What does your working environment look like?
It is a finished attic space of approximately 660 square feet which allows me to have multiple work spaces and a sitting area with a full bath and two wall-in closets where I keep my fair show displays and frames.  This space allows me to control my environment according to my needs (headaches).  I hope to eventually change out the flooring (it is seventies brown, orange, and tan with a pattern) and paint the walls a lighter color; however, that is the future.  I still use my Dad’s drafting Table, some of his and my mother’s art work up; as well as, an inspiration board with family photos, artwork by my favorite artists (Leonardo DaVinci, Michelangelo, and Maxfield Parrish, photos of some of artwork).
 
Do you listen to music when you work? If so, who/what?
Generally I listen to movies as I work.  I like science fiction, light horror, crime, and fairy tales.

What are your favourite things in life?
My family!  I am very grateful and blessed  to have two beautiful and smart daughters with wonderful spouses, three grandchildren, a sweet service dog, and a loving, understanding husband.

Finally, please give 3 words that describe your work.
Spontaneous, playful and thoughtful.

You can find Angie's books and artwork on her Etsy page.