I've been an artist my whole life and a YACster for about a quarter of it! This collective has been a fundamental part of my young adult life and high school experience. YAC is where I've created and maintained some of the longest and deepest friendships I have. It's almost entirely unique in its pure acceptance of creators from all walks of life and its fantastic resources.

Although you might not have guessed this based on what I've submitted to this show, I actually tend to focus on faces in my work! However, I've spent the past year trying to branch out. I love digital art for its convenience and versatility, but I also adore oil, acrylic, and mixed-media works with colored pencil and watercolor. Because my art tends to have a narrative element and a crayon-like effect, I've spent a good chunk of this year doing some freelance work as a children's book illustrator. I absolutely love it! It's so fulfilling to play a role in helping others tell their most personally meaningful stories. As I go into college and beyond, I'm not 100% certain that I will make art my career, but I do know that art and storytelling will remain a fundamental element of my life and identity.