Tolmeia Gregory, Climate Change Activist, Digital Artist & GIF Creator

Tolmeia Gregory is an inspiring digital creator and climate change activist and I was over the moon to have the chance to interview her on Massive Orange Book. From charming illustrations to GIF sticker collections and socially acute comics, there’s not many illustrative formats Tolmeia hasn’t mastered.

Based in Cheltenham UK, Tolmeia is available for commissioned branded GIFs, just check out her ‘Work With Me’ highlight on Instagram to see some of the incredible work she has done previously. I’m even quite tempted to commission some branded GIFs for Massive Orange Book… what better way to kick off 2022?

I spoke with Tolmeia about her work, and any advice she’d give to aspiring digital artists…

1. What’s the project you’re most proud of? 

I’ll always be proud of my GIF sticker collection and the success they’ve had.

Not only am I just really proud of the work that’s gone into them but I’m also really proud of the fact they launched my freelance career and led me to being able to do what I love as a job.

More recently though, I’m really proud of launching my podcast, Idealistically, which was an idea I had during lockdown last year and has been a true passion project. It’s the podcast where we discuss what we would idealistically want, in an ideal world, in an attempt to get more people envisioning radical versions of the future.

2. What advice would you give other digital artists trying to grow their online audience? 

Find what you really love doing and make that your niche!

I love GIF stickers and I love focusing on the climate crisis in my work, so, I try to make the two work together and go hand-in-hand. Having a niche can often feel scary as it feels like you’re the only one doing what you do but I think it can be really beneficial, especially if you wear your heart on your sleeve.

3. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

So simple and cliche but… just be yourself!

There is absolutely no point in trying to be like somebody else or trying to replicate something else that’s been done elsewhere. We need to create a world where people are freer to just be exactly who they are. 

4. Who would your dream collaboration be with? 

I’m not entirely sure on a dream collaboration but I know I would absolutely love to paint a mural.

I love the idea of being able to create art in a physical space and have it be viewed for longer than a few seconds like with my animation work, so, that is the dream gig, really!

5.  What would you recommend for people to go check out this month?

I’ll always recommend reading the book, All We Can Save. I think it’s a perfect recommendation for creative people who care about the climate as it offers inspiration, solutions and some meaningful passages to carry with you through your work. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

6. What are your favourite media sources/platforms/channels/blogs/content creators that you read regularly and keep up to date with?

Hot Take and The Yikes Podcast are my favourite climate podcasts to listen to.  I also love Climate Adam on YouTube, who I just recently interviewed on my podcast, Idealistically; their videos are really informative and engaging. 

7. What’s your current manifestation? What are you wanting to put out into the universe?

As I mentioned, painting a mural or working on a campaign that involves billboard artwork would be a dream. I’m not entirely sure how to bring that to life yet but maybe if I put it out there, it will come true!

Thank you so much Tolmeia for the wonderful interview. LOVE that attitude for 2022! If anyone is looking for an artist for a mural, you know who to hit up!

Interviewed by Polly Snell, Editor at Massive Orange Book