Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

Over the years my creative journey has spanned many different avenues and media types. So, I’m pretty comfortable with a variety of mediums/techniques (traditional and digital alike) and working with a wide range of ages.

Since the early 2000s, I’ve been an instructor, mentor, and designer within the arts/entertainment industry and academia. Oftentimes, it’s been related to concept, design, and sculpt/fabrication (and movement!) involved with all things characters/creatures (plus, worldbuilding and storytelling for such). 

Other related roles have been Department Head, Project Manager, Artistic Producer, and as a creative problem-solving specialist!

What attracted you to work at One River School?

Initially, I was drawn by the project-driven curriculum along with the upfront statement proclaiming that this would be a “fun” artistic environment.  Oftentimes, when I’ve created art that is more production-based, it’s driven by many other factors & unfortunately “fun” doesn’t necessarily take the forefront…

Big shout out to Heather, Marisa, and Dot as meeting them all during the interview really warmed my heart to be around like-minded passionate artists who cared about a student’s individual journey!

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

The atmosphere is quite open and inviting – everyone at our Evanston location is so easy to talk with and welcoming, even before my official “Day One”. Plus, it’s great to have a variety of students with diverse goals and artistic pursuits as everyone’s journey is quite unique to themselves. 

Whether it’s just a few students in session or super crowded Cosplay class exploding into the hallways and outside, it’s nice to know that there’s bound to be some laughter, excitement, and energy that’ll be flowing through One River while you’re there.

What has been your favorite project to teach and why?

Hands down, the Monster Clay Models Camp would be the one as it combines sculpting with my favorite clay, anatomy, and telling a story through character/pose. I love how different students approach the 2D to 3D aspects as there’s always bound to be at least one process along the way (from concept/design to armature to sculpting to texturing) that will be a strength of theirs. Then, the other steps are typically newer and/or less familiar than their preferred media or genre which means there’s plenty of “a-ha” moments. Seeing everyone make their own learning connections and achieving incredibly quick growth along that journey is always exciting!

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

Yes! In the summer, I had one student who had been in a few camps with me. He sometimes could get a bit too focused (and ambitious!) on his designs for the time allotted, getting down on himself if things were not perfectly executed and/or were running behind his “ideal” schedule. However, in Cosplay, after he was satisfied with completing his weapon (and we took his action pose pictures!), he was so focused, comfortable, and attuned to what it felt like having to scramble on the last day before the mini showcase that he immediately began offering help to the other students. After class, I told him how proud I was of him!! He had such a big smile & said “Me too!”     

What do you enjoy outside of One River?

When not designing nor creating for productions/clients, Sculpting and 3D Digital Modeling are my favorite artistic outlets, along with Photography and Digital Art. I also have a very analytical brain – always craving more knowledge to add to my internal “library”. So, I can (and do) many a deep dive into research and development for my projects, passions, or just any ideas which randomly pop into my brain!

Away from that, I’m a huge animal lover and I’ve almost always had pets as part of my family. Snuggling up under the blankets with my fur babies, playing ball, & just chilling with them are all an everyday, much appreciated, occurrence! 

Plus, I’ve always felt most happy when I’m outside in nature – epic long walks (when time allows), moonlit runs, waiting patiently to photograph the picture I can already see in my mind, or just getting lost in the moment watching and listening to the sounds while being outside…