As an artist, born and (mostly) raised in the "Land of Enchantment" (Albuquerque, New Mexico), I've been largely influenced by southwestern styles in my art. However, even more than that, I have been a huge fan of Japanese animation, animals and nature. Works from Hayao Miyazaki, Andrzej Sapkowski and other exceptional international storytellers and artists sent my imagination into overdrive from a very young age. Starting with an initial goal of becoming a "manga-ka" (Japanese graphic novelist), as I grew older, and matured in my art and interests, I shifted into desires for Disney, Dreamworks, and Video Game Design/Art. Through these formative experiences, I was able to develop a unique and recognizable style -- one all my own. Though my style today still remains influenced by those early experiences, I am confident it has also evolved and matured continuously, as have I, through the years, and my style is much more varied, polished, and professional, but still retains much of those early influences, recognizable in much of my work.
When I was a small child, my parents sent me to weekly art lessons, working in all media, from drawing, color matching, and various kinds of painting, to sculpture, mixed media, and other special materials handling. From there, while I practiced/honed my skills by getting paid at a very young age for face-painting children's parties, I continued to draw for fun, planning my future career as an artist. In high school, I received the first of many opportunities to be properly compensated for my talent. Little did I know that one thing would lead to another, Every summer, from my sophomore to my senior year, I was privileged to attend illustration and animation workshops at the Albuquerque Academy and the Southwestern University of Visual Arts. In my last two years of high school, I resolved that art was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life! After receiving my very first tattoo commission (and the corresponding check in the mail), I realized if there was someone who wanted my art on their body, there were likely many others who wanted my work on their web pages, magazines, billboards, and more. From that point on, I began actively studying, promoting, and networking toward my future career. Eventually, I built the strong foundation of my wonderful supporters, colleagues, and professional mentors, with whom I work to this day!
As I graduated high school, I began to look into various art education programs, in hopes of seriously pursuing my artistic aspirations. This is how I came to Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU). Though no illustration degree was offered at the time, I quickly realized how well graphic design and illustration meshed, when I first met with the chair of the art department -- Bradford Hamann, a brilliant illustrator turned graphic designer, who had an elegant and effective way of merging the two disciplines. With plenty of assistance from him and other talented art faculty members, I have been well prepared for a career (culminating in a very illuminating paid internship in the summer of 2014 at the Bureau of Land Management in Salt Lake City, Utah), and I've since graduated in May 2015 and then moved to Palmdale, California and worked for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. As of 2019, I now live quite happily as a freelance artist in Tasmania, Australia!
I relish performing in a wide variety of challenging, yet satisfying projects in which to showcase my talents, and assist my employer to realize increased profitability/prestige within their respective competitive markets. Hit that “contact me” button if you have any inquiries, ok? 😃
