How long have you been a student at One River?

Almost 1 year.  I started in the 3–5 program when I was in 2nd grade taking Art Focus: Cartooning because I like making comics. I also take Digital Art Shuffle. I wasn’t sure what it would be like but now it’s my favorite class.

Tell us a little bit about your journey as an artist.

I like to make things. I’ve always made a lot of art at home by painting, drawing, sculpting and building. When I was younger I built a tiny house out of cardboard with everything a real house needs like a chimney, TV remote, microwave, flowers and a pet named Chomper.

By Valentine’s Day in 2nd grade, we had to make Valentine bags. I wanted to make Dog Man but my teacher gave me a ghost shape so my friends said I should make a ghost character. Dun… Dun… Dun… Ghost Cop was created.

Since then, I’ve made more characters and created graphic novels, comics, action figures, trading cards, puppets, stickers, and plushies. My Poppop taught me how to use woodworking tools to make figures and Gigi taught me how to use a sewing machine to make my Ghost Cop plushie.

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

My favorite project is the space project I just did in Digital Art class. I liked that it was space-themed and that I got to work on blending. I created a banana character in my first digital art project and then used another for this project.

Describe One River in 3 words and tell us why

Ideas, Making and “POW!” … because you make stuff and comics!

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

You can be creative and show people ideas that are in your brain.

Would you like to share anything else about your experience at One River?

I like my teachers and the projects because they help you do new things. You can take classes that focus on what you want to make. The projects help me come up with new ideas for Ghost Cop or make new designs and characters. I like the art shows because they are fun and I like seeing what everyone else makes.