My artistic portfolio aims to not only reflect my interest for the field of Children’s book illustration, but also influence the viewer’s perception similarly to that of a child in that the viewer will be able to substitute the constraints of their reality with the infinite possibility of fantasy. Through personal experience, I have learned how books such as the Velveteen Rabbit and Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon use a barrage of colorful illustrations as a means to draw in their reader while the story line and text aid the child in not only learning the fundamentals of reading and grammar, but also the lessons at the story’s core. The diverse subject matter and mediums demonstrated in my art reflect my interest in all facets of illustration and my quest to develop the skills and working process necessary to effectively synergize text and imagery in such a way that they will successfully communicate the central moral of the work to a child audience.

I learned the power of believing, the strength of confidence, and the joy of experiencing something new—all from books. With lessons in British and English Literature, Creative Writing, and Child Psychology, paired with a strong artistic education, I hope to learn the techniques necessary to write and illustrate stories that help children deal with issues such as bullying and divorce while simultaneously empowering them with the character traits necessary for success including compassion, confidence, and commitment. Potentially, these lessons will help the youth as they mature and determine a positive direction for the future of our community and culture.
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