Everything I've ever been taught about cover letters, resumes, and portfolios was built around the idea of being professional. The only problem with that is I'm not a professional, I'm entry level. For me to present myself to you in such a way would be misleading, so I'm going to be honest with you. All my life I've wanted to be an artist, it's all I can remember. Although five-year-old me thought being an artist meant wearing a white smock and beret trying to make a living selling paintings, which I knew from Picasso wouldn't be a good way to live. Fast forward to high school and a recruiter from what would become my future college introduces me to the professional world of art and design. I suddenly had limitless options for how to keep art in my life and still put food on the table. The only problem was not knowing which direction to go in. I was pointed towards graphic design, based on the work I'd done in high school. At the time I didn't know what graphic design even was, but I love it, I really do. I think I always have, even without knowing it. Graphic design is clever. It's playful, it's formal, and everything in between. Graphic design is what guides our memories through history with logos, album covers, all the way to the most everyday grocery items, and I think it's pretty amazing to be able to play a role in that. Graphic design can be applied to almost anything, and those endless possibilities were what really drew me in.
After graduating, I quickly realized I would have to move out of my parents' house before I could begin pursuing my career - as an artist, having your own *space* is essential. However, moving out requires a job, so I accepted my first offer of a seasonal retail position. As of today, I've been living on my own for over a year now and am ready to take the first step towards bringing art back into my life. I held that job for two years, spending the second year as a manager. I've recently left the job in order to dedicate more of my time towards finding a job and continuing to add to my portfolio. It's taken me five years of being immersed in the graphic design world, and two years away from it, for me to realize what exactly it is I want to do. The truth is I'm still that (twenty)five-year-old who wants to make paintings for a living - so to speak. All of the graphics, the illustrations, the textures, the patterns, the typography - all of the *stuff* - that's what I want to make. That's what I want to do.
I think everyone has their own way that they can help change the world, and for me that is art. I believe art can convey truths that often go overlooked. I believe art can bring people together, and help heal the world. That is what I want to dedicate my life to. That is why I am an artist.
