I was born and raised in this small town, always painting, doodling chalk on the road, or going above and beyond with crafty school projects. I would say I’ve always had that creative spark since I was a little kid, however, I didn’t always believe in it.

I remember heading into grade 9 (starting high school for everyone who’s going “grade 9?” as they read this — a freshman, I was becoming a freshman) and picking out my courses. A handful of my equally creative friends took Art — I told everyone, including myself, I just wasn’t cut out for art class. I could draw, paint, and loved to do both but just didn’t see myself as someone who would succeed in that course — could I be any more stupid.

So needless to say after some convincing from my parents and friends, from grade 10 (sophomore now!) until I graduated high school I was in art class — I also dabbled in photography as well, which provided skills I use to this day when it comes to my career, but photography is more of my loveable hobby than a job.

So while I enjoyed almost all forms of art growing up and going through school I never had an exact idea as to what I wanted to do when I “grew up”. While everyone was taking courses that would allow them to get into the best universities for biology, nursing, and anything that had to do with math (i hate math) I was playing it safe. Taking courses that were mandatory, and courses I enjoyed.

Straight out of high school I had applied for Graphic Design, of course, that little voice that bullied me in grade 9, who told me not to take art in fear of not being good enough, came back. Fast forward to 2018 and I was ready to fight back against that voice, I applied again for Graphic Design and the rest of kind of history.

In short, I was incredibly nervous, it was a lot to learn, but it showed me that the world of design is massive. You’re always learning new tricks and skills, and nobody is perfect. Nobody out there knows everything. I might have a different way of cutting out someone’s hair in photoshop then you do, but at the end of the day we’re both designers and that’s all that matters.

I met some amazing teachers and made some lifelong friends in school and I’ll forever be thankful for them. So if you’re someone who’s never been to secondary school or someone who’s going back for a career change — it’s never too late, you’re going to do fine, and I promise it’ll work out. 

“art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable”

   -banksy