1. Self-taught Artistic Expression – I began my artistic journey by teaching myself how to draw, using it as a way to express emotions and create stories, which became the foundation of my children’s book illustrations.
2. Artistic Note-taking – I developed a method of combining art with note-taking to visually process and retain information, enhancing both my creative and educational approaches.
3. Light Course at Landmark College – In this course, I explored the effects of light on visual art by using blacklight, glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint, and regular acrylics to create multiple lighted paintings, shedding light on how lighting transforms the perception of a piece.
4. Digital Art Experience (Adobe & Stop Motion) – My digital art journey included mastering Adobe Creative Suite and experimenting with stop-motion animation, expanding my versatility as an illustrator and animator.
5. Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art – Completing my degree at Landmark College with honors helped refine my technical skills and gave me confidence as a professional artist.
6. Independent Study: Children’s Book on Learning Disabilities – During an independent study, I created a children’s book that teaches kids about learning disabilities, connecting my personal experiences to my art and storytelling.
7. History through Photography at Landmark College – In this course, I learned to create prints such as cyanotypes and explored the history of photography, gaining an appreciation for the power of visual storytelling through historical techniques.
8. History through Film at Landmark College – I learned how to break down and analyze cinematography, gaining a deeper understanding of how framing, movement, and visual elements contribute to narrative in film.
9. Self-taught Origami – Learning origami helped me develop patience and precision, skills that I now apply to detailed illustrations and other creative projects.
10. Painting Course at Landmark College – In this course, I began painting a 6-foot portrait of my dog who had passed away, which helped me channel my emotions and explore color and texture to convey meaning and memory.
These milestones, along with my formal education and my current pursuit of a Master of Arts in Art Teaching, have shaped me into a multifaceted artist, educator, and storyteller.