Meet
Tiffany Goff-Smith
A mixed-media artist teacher who finds joy in the everyday — markets, doorways, the second cup of coffee. Her classes are warm, unhurried, and refreshingly free of pressure.
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Tiffany is the founder of Southern Gals Designs, where she’s taught mixed media, collage, and bookmaking to thousands of students through hundreds of free video lessons. She’s also a co-founder of The Ugly Art Club. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, and she leads workshops and retreats around the world.
Tiffany grew up in a family of creatives, and that’s where her earliest art memories come from. Though she has no formal technical training, art became her language of choice. It’s a complement to her day job as a corporate trainer focused on leadership and interpersonal skills.
“I do not go in with a specific plan,” she says. “I allow the colors, textures, and my surroundings to help me capture where I am.” She’s filled more than twenty handmade art books of her own, and when a guest feels creatively stuck, her advice is simple: step outside, take a walk, and ask “what if.” Tiffany has a particular gift for helping nervous beginners loosen up and have fun.
Medium: Mixed Media
Join in: Greece
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Artist Interview: Tiffany Goff-Smith
How do you work? What is your teaching style?
I am very intuitive, I do NOT go in with a specific plan. I allow the colors, textures, and my surroundings help me capture where I am both physically when traveling or mentally as to where my mood is for the day. My teaching style is empowerment to allow you to find your creative voice.
What attracts you about travel journaling?
The sheer ability to capture my travel in the pages of a book, to infuse the places, people, and textures. I love looking through them afterward and it takes me back to places we visited and conversations that were had.
What inspires you?
The easier question is what doesn't inspire me. Since I have a daily art practice, I have learned to see the world through "artist eyes" so travel, colors, textures and being with other creatives really inspires me. If I ever have a moment where inspiration is lacking I go outside, take a walk and ask myself What if. That always helps.
Why do you do what you do?
Art is my language of choice. It is the air I breathe, Art saved me from the corporate burnout of life. I can tell stories and release emotions through color, where I may otherwise keep it held in.
Why do students attend your courses? What will they get out of it?
Students attend to learn how to be free, let loose, and stop overthinking. I enjoy sharing the power of creating for the pure joy of creating, allowing yourself to not worry about it hanging on the wall, or in a gallery one day. People can find freedom in how I encourage play.
What is your background?
I grew up in a family of creatives. That is where my youngest art memories come from. I am not technically trained in art, and my background landed me in corporate america where I still work today. I am a corporate trainer mainly focused on leadership and interpersonal skills. Art and teaching is my passion and my joy.
What have you learned from creating while you travel?
I have learned that traveling with minimal supplies allows more creativity. Turning trash into treasure and allowing my own story to evolve through the layers is absolutely freeing.