Introduction

“I was born in Provo, Utah with my twin sister when my parents were still going to college. I had a wonderful time even though growing up we didn’t have a ton. That’s why I got into art and drawing. My mom would set up fun creative activities while we were growing up and it would help push me creatively. We moved to Las Vegas when I was five and I have been here ever since. It was in high school that I realized how much I loved art. I found digital art and got my first Wacom tablet when I was 15. I started posting on DeviantArt and met other artists who helped me grow. I went to college at BYU and majored in entertainment illustration. I loved college. In the few years I was there I was able to hone my skills and find my passion for storyboarding and character design. I graduated with a BFA in entertainment illustration in 2019. Since graduating I have done a lot of amazing projects”.

 “Right now I’m working for a studio called Juicebox Studios making comics and graphic novels”. 

Question 1: How do you handle constructive criticism? And how do you use that in your art? 

“As an artist, you have to take criticism or you will never get better. Every bit of criticism you get whether in good faith or malicious can be helpful to you. I usually take criticism well. In college, it was one of the best parts of art class and getting critiques from your peers. You just have to take it and apply all the best parts to your work.”

Question 2: Where do you find inspiration in your art? And how does that translate to your work?

“By far it’s by looking at other artists’ work. Seeing how they approach an illustration or composition inspires me to make my work better. Studying that helps me to see where my shortcomings are.”

Question 3: Describe your ideal working environment when creating your pieces.

“Hahaha ok so this is very casual but my best work has come from me sitting on my couch with a blanket and watching YouTube videos. I can do work at a Desk but I love feeling completely at home and pulling out the iPad and drawing up something. I’m a cozy drawer for sure.”

Question 4: How have you developed your career? And what more do you want to do?

“I’m sure everyone says this but it’s just a lot of trial and error. I have done a lot of smaller projects and some were great and some not so much. Once I graduated I threw myself out there applying for all kinds of jobs. It took time but I was able to get this studio job and have loved it. Right now I’m developing a graphic novel that’s been a personal project since I was in high school. I’m doing it with my sister and it has been an amazing challenge.”

Question 5: Describe how art is important to society.

“Art is essential for us humans. We seek beauty, and acceptance for connection. Art is a way to say “Here I am and I see you too” and that’s for all that. Expressing one’s self is being vulnerable but that helps us to connect. I love creating stories and characters because it helps me and others find passion in life. When we don’t value art, our lives become monotonous and lack variety.”

Question 6: How has your practice changed over time?

“When I first started getting into drawing I used to brute force my way through a drawing. I thought it all had to come from my mind or I wasn’t a good artist. After school, however, I have learned the huge importance of reference. Always look at references. Do you want a certain pose, hand position, an outfit? Look it up and your process will be 100 times smoother.”