Tell us a little bit about your journey as a young and developing artist.

When I was younger I was really interested in drawing anime characters but I would get frustrated because I didn’t understand anatomy. My drawings didn’t turn out how I wanted them to look. I focused on drawing realism and taking drawing classes instead. And I was good at it! Now I mix realism and anime into my own style – I can take things from my imagination and draw it how I want it. I can play with my style, making original characters, and I love using lots of colors. 

Which has been your favorite project to work on at One River and why?

I really like the project I am working on in my Manga class. It is the total opposite of everything I do in my own art. We are using wide frame landscapes, black and white inking, and perspective. It’s all things I never put into my own art. I usually like using lots of color and female original characters. Now I am drawing guys, I never draw guys! I like it because I am learning new things and it is a good creative challenge.  

What would you tell people who’ve never dabbled in art making are the real benefits to trying it?

You can make people happy. Art lets you share your ideas with others. You can put your imagination on paper and share it with your friends. It’s a way of expressing yourself. When you start, don’t be too hard on yourself. Don’t try to learn everything at once. Be patient with yourself and practice. It takes A LOT of practice. Try to learn one thing at a time and remember to have fun.

What do you enjoy most or feel is helpful about taking more than 1 class at One River?

I like it because I can make digital and studio art at the same time. I am working on building a portfolio to get into a special art class at my high school. Taking the two classes helps me learn more and create more portfolio pieces.