About

 





Hello! I'm Robin

I am a traditional visual artist based in Edmonton, Alberta. I primarily paint expressive and colourful animal portraits with acrylic on canvas. I enjoy painting realistically, and by mixing bright and complimentary colours with a limited palette, never using black. I have always been inspired by animals, and how much we can learn from them.

I started painting expressive animal portraits, some more famously known internet ‘meme’ images, after I quit my creatively-crushing salaried job, and pursued freelancing full-time for my own well-being. These risk-taking decisions of leaving my job during the pandemic in 2021, and painting humorous images, instead of traditionally accepted wildlife paintings, were the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

These paintings helped pull myself out of a dark place, both physically and emotionally. Created from a need to cope with the stressors of my personal life, and the tumultuous state of the world we live in. The need for fun, joy, and humour to combat the fear, anxiety, and dread helped me survive, process my feelings and experiences, and thrive with my new-found community.

This community shared my love for these artworks, and would often smile and share their stories with their company or with me. I realised the potential for my artwork was not just for my own coping and healing needs, but could be shared with others, and that they needed it too. I began creating more, fuelled by these positive experiences, encouragement, acceptance, and have no plan on stopping.



Biography

I am a full-time freelance designer, illustrator, and fine artist based in Edmonton. I graduated from the University of Alberta in Visual Communication Design in 2013, including professional art studies: drawing, painting, illustration, and art history.

My first year of University was in the fine arts program, knowing my passion and calling was creating art. I took art I.B. in high school, received private tutoring as a teen, and was known as ‘Robin the artist’ by my peers. However, I decided to switch programs the following year for fear of not being able to make a living as an artist, and the pressure to find a ‘real job’.

Eight years after this ‘real job’ of an in-house designer and manager, I decided to take the leap of faith in myself to pursue freelance work. In 2021 Robin Good Art & Design was born, an escape from a harmful work environment, and the beginning of my creatively healing journey.

Two years later, I took another major risk for my career and personal life. I ended a 16 year relationship that was consuming so much of my joy, and energy. Through my artwork, I made new relationships with people who helped me find the joy I was missing.

I hope to keep creating for myself and my community, so that no one has to go through difficult experiences alone. That we can all heal through art, take the risk to do what we love, and do what brings us joy.

 

 

Core values

  • Artistry: To create and deliver quality work, with the ambition to keep improving.

  • Compassion: Caring for ourselves, each other, and the environment to help bring about positive change.

  • Understanding: To communicate clearly for mutual understanding, so that knowledge is always shared.

  • Reliability: To take great care of the responsibilities of my work, with performing consistently well and in a truthful way. 

  • Integrity: To act, and make decisions that support the strong principles of respect and fairness. 




CV

 


Experience

 

Education

 

Practicum

 

Exhibitions & sales


    Volunteering & memberships

     

    Awards & acheivements

     

    Press

     

     

    Robin Good Art & Design respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional gathering place and meeting ground for diverse Indigenous peoples including the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to enrich our vibrant community.