Phase 1: The Spark
(Ages 2–12 | Discovery & Early Passion)
Some of my earliest memories involve a crayon in hand and paper spread across the floor. Drawing became my way of seeing the world — and sharing it. Even at two or three years old, I felt an unexplainable pull toward color, shape, and the magic of making something from nothing. Art wasn’t just a hobby — it was my first language.My dad, a talented artist himself, was my first inspiration. Watching him work made art feel magical and possible. He encouraged me from the very beginning — whether I was scribbling on printer paper or experimenting with watercolor. Through him, I learned that creativity had power. It was something to nurture, to chase, to grow into. Those early years laid the foundation for everything that would follow — even when I didn’t realize it at the time.
Phase 2: The Drift
(Teen Years | A Quiet Chapter)
During my teen years, art quietly slipped to the background. Life got busy, priorities shifted, and the creative spark I’d carried so naturally as a kid felt a little dimmer. I still appreciated art. I admired it, I was drawn to it, but I wasn’t actively creating. Looking back now, I see that as a period of rest, not loss. Sometimes we step away from what we love only to rediscover it later with clearer eyes and deeper appreciation. That rediscovery would come and when it did, it came back stronger than ever.
Phase 3: An Unexpected Opportunity
(Early 20s | First Graphic Design Project)
It started with a catalog. A hemp company I worked with needed a product catalog, and they asked if I could help. I said yes — and ended up designing the entire thing. That project flipped a switch in me. Suddenly, I saw the creative world in a whole new light: organized layout, purposeful typography, communication through visuals. Graphic design had found me, and I wanted more.
Phase 4: Going All In
(2023 Onward | Graphic Design School Journey)
When I enrolled in the Graphic Design program at Alamance Community College, I thought I was just going to learn software. What I got was so much more.
The program was immersive and hands-on, covering everything from mural painting and fine art to typography, page layout, packaging, branding, animation, photography, and even videography. Each semester expanded my understanding of what graphic design could be — and what I could be within it.
What really shaped me were the instructors. I had a diverse group of teachers who challenged me, inspired me, and brought completely different perspectives to the table. That mix gave me the tools to not only build technical skills, but also to think like a designer. Critically, creatively, and with intention. By the time I finished the program, I didn’t just feel prepared for the industry. I felt excited for it.
Phase 5: Freelance & Finding My Focus
(Post-Graduation | Professional Growth & Niche Discovery)
After graduation, I stepped into the freelance world and hit the ground running. It was both exciting and overwhelming — and the best way I could’ve learned what kind of work really lit me up.
Over time, I found myself gravitating toward projects that blended strategy with creativity — work that told a story and made brands feel real. That led me to focus on what has become my niche:
→ Branding that reflects a business’s true personality
→ Packaging design that makes products stand out and connect with customers
→ Advertising design that speaks to the right people in the right way
This season of my creative journey has been all about clarity. I’ve discovered what I love, what I’m good at, and how I can use design to help others grow.
