It’s always been my philosophy that anyone could be creative and artistic. It merely takes an idea, some time, and a little bit of effort to be some kind of creative. I’ve always prided myself as a maker of things, producing stuff for work, gifts for friends, or for my own personal interests. Simply put, I love putting my work out there for myself and others to see.

Inspired by Legos, afternoon cartoons like Tiny Toons and Animaniacs, and my older brother’s illustration work, I began tracing and drawing when I was in second grade. I began reading comics in fifth grade, and as soon as I hit English class in sixth, I started to write as well. In high school, I started documenting everything through photographs, and in college I was inspired by the tech startups of Silicon Alley that ultimately made me want to move to New York. These outside influences motivated me to shape my own work and build my own voice and style.

To be good at what you do (whatever that is), it takes patience and tolerance — just keep on practicing, take criticism to heart but with a grain of salt, and be confident in your talents even if no one else is looking. After all, the best supporter of your own sense of creativity is yourself.