I have been surrounded by art my entire life, and I have that fact to thank for my path today. Growing up in Woodbury, Tennessee, I have been surrounded by local artists and influenced by the Arts Center of Cannon County (where I volunteered and often stage-managed). My grandfather also had a hand in my artistic upbringing, sitting me in his lap and letting me watch as he drew whatever thing I pointed at. With this background, it isn’t that large of a step from a general interest in art to a hopeful career in graphic design and freelancing.

Now, having graduated from the Design program at Tennessee Technological University, I have confirmed that this is a good path for myself. I have cultivated a solid portfolio for myself, not only in art and graphic design but in other areas as well. I was able to art direct multiple movies due to the valuable connections I have made over time, and I have done numerous free-lancing jobs that have made me better as an artist, designer, and person. Whether it’s art directing or illustrating and designing a children’s book series, what I appreciate about the path I have chosen so far is its opportunities to interact with people, get to know them, and help them in different ways. I can only hope that I will continue to receive similar opportunities so I can continue to help and meet more people and gather more fruitful experiences.