Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

I’m an illustrator, writer and fantasy/sci-fi enthusiast who moved to Chicago nearly four years ago from the east coast! Originally I came here for college, but the amazing restaurants and art community had no trouble convincing me to stay post-graduation. My undergraduate concentration at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago was in print-media and comics, which I intend to continue for grad school. Classroom studios and libraries have always felt like safe spaces to develop stories, and I hope to provide that space for the next generation of comic artists. My dream is to equip students with the skills, fearlessness, ambition, and resources they need to bring their stories to life!

What attracted you to work at One River School?

Teaching art (specifically illustration/comics/cartooning) has always been a dream of mine, and guiding students who are driven to create outside their regular academic schedule seemed like an ideal start. The team at One River Evanston has been very supportive and encouraging, and I’m grateful to be part of an environment that fosters self-expression for the students. 

How would you describe what it is like to teach here?

At One River, I teach studio cartooning to grades 3-5 and digital comics/manga to grades 6-12. My teaching philosophy encourages them to be ambitious with their projects, even if they feel uncertain about their abilities. “The more ambitious you are with each project, the more experience you’ll have gained to make the next one even better” is what I often tell my students, sometimes even comparing it to a video game’s “experience points”. Watching them take this motivation to heart, seek constructive feedback, and grow as artists is deeply rewarding! Their creativity and dedication consistently leaves me impressed.

What has been your favorite project to teach and why?

Motion in Comics, because it practices storytelling mechanics in page layout and composition. Panels, gutters, speech bubble placements, focal points, values, spot-blacks and perspective are all introduced as devices that can communicate a story differently. Seeing my students determine the best ways to tell their stories through making those visual decisions is the coolest! 

Is there a special One River moment that stands out for you?

The last 10-15 minutes of my class is usually reserved for in-progress feedback, where they’re encouraged to discuss their art, their process (including challenging or favorite parts of their project) and offer input to their classmates. It’s a helpful routine that grows their confidence in talking about their work and decision-making, and a part of class they now expect and look forward to! Especially for my high school students, who may be considering art school, this extra time helps prepare them for engaging in college-level critiques.

What do you enjoy outside of One River?

As a Chicago transplant, I love visiting nearby museums, gardens, and restaurants- observing new things to love about the city in my sketchbook is so relaxing. I also enjoy playing chess, reading, and trying out new recipes!