I am, at my core, a storyteller. I write with pictures, and I draw with words. I believe that storytelling is what makes us human. Symbolic thinking, the ability to let one thing stand for another, evolved over a million years ago in hominin species. It is this ability that sets us apart. It allows us to make depictions of things imagined or remembered, to tell stories using pictures as well through the use of language, or in other words, to illustrate.
I strongly believe, and I teach my students, that the role of author/illustrator comes with responsibility. We are responsible for the media we create — and when we find the narrative lacking, and we don’t see ourselves authentically represented, we have the opportunity and the obligation to change it. In my courses and in my own creative practice, I focus heavily on process, ideation, and the thorough exploration of ideas. Research and deep conceptual development are the paths to complex, authentic characters and high-quality stories. I believe that it is vital to tell stories reflective of our experiences, our philosophies, and, above all, our humanity.
I am a life-long learner. In my teaching practice, curiosity is a core tenant, as is the joy of learning for its own sake. To be an illustrator is to stay curious – our industry requires immersion in various topics based on project needs. This is also an industry of perpetual change, necessitating constant training to stay relevant. With that understanding, I teach students perhaps the most important skill: how to learn and manage independently.
We must arm students for a future utilizing illustration outlets that are not yet fully imagined; therefore, the most critical skill sets must emphasize adaptability and self-reliance. Throughout projects, I strive to reflect on real-world work experiences and simulate a professional workflow while teaching students research and project management skills as they complete their creative work.
The most important skills I can impart aren’t drawing or the use of software. They are strong concept development, the ability to work as part of a team, and the lifelong love and dedication to craft that will let them express their ideas with fluidity and grace. I believe that acquiring strong storytelling and design skills through rigorous practice leads to empowerment and creative freedom and that lifelong learning is the key to continued innovation and new opportunities. This foundation ultimately allows us as creators to focus on the most important: producing socially relevant, high-quality content, no matter the medium.
