Artist Statement
I’ve always known I’ve wanted to do something with my art,
but I’ve been having a hard time finding just what to do. I’ve always loved
drawing and storytelling, which is why I gravitated towards animation. Over the
years I tried to hone in my skill on my own time but that proved to be
difficult as I was still trying to figure out what to do now that I had
finished undergrad. Should I pursue teaching art? And if I did, would I still
be able to make the art that’s fulfilling to me. Should I pursue my dream as an
animator? The industry is in an odd state right now where people with years of
experience are struggling to find work.
I knew what I didn’t want, and that was to stay in retail for as almost a decade. I wanted an opportunity to share stories that I felt weren’t being told, so I took a chance and decided to go to grad school. I went to the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, also known as FIEA, and the experience so far has helped me get my head on straight. Not only am I learning more than I did in undergrad, but I’m also making more connections and finally coming into my own as an artist.
As far as influences and style goes, I was always a huge fan
of fun and bold style of western cartoons (PPG, Invader Zim) but I’m also drawn
to the whimsical and alluring world of anime (whatever toonami was playing in
the early 2000s). One of my major inspirations; Junko Mizuno; is a master at combining
both of these influences and I hope to have a style as recognizable as hers
someday.
