I have struggled with depression and anxiety since eighth grade and was officially diagnosed this year. Eighth grade was also the year that I became interested in illustration art and the type of art that I am currently pursuing as my career. Clinical depression brings on a whirlwind of emotions that I am most of the time not in control of. Art has always been my translator in that sense; it allows me to put what I’m feeling down on paper and understand it better. There have been many times where my art has told me what I’m feeling before I realize it myself. Because of this, elements of my darker feelings are a big part of my work. Many of my emotions are in my work through symbolism. But I don't just draw dark drawings; My art is also very influenced by my Christian faith. Almost all of my works have the cross incorporated into it one way or another. My faith is the most important thing to me and I give all the credit for my artistic skills to the Lord. My faith is present in my darker pieces to show that Jesus is always with me, and it is present in my happier pieces to show that God is the reason for all the good in my life and the source of all my strength. My drawing style is influenced by both modern and classic Japanese art as well as work from other ethnicities such as Native American. I also like to play with cute and sweet elements as well as creepy and dark ones to not only create interesting contrasts but to also represent two sides of my own personality. My drawing style in some ways is very realistic and in other ways exaggerated, cartoony, and playful. I use this to show a combination of reality and imagination. I’ve always been a fantasy fan with limitless creativity, but I also enjoy the beauty in the real world and find inspiration in almost anything.Whether I’m listening to music, hanging out with friends, or “studying” I’m constantly thinking of ideas for new artwork. The endlessness of art is one of the things I love so much about it. It will always be there for me; and as long as I have something to draw with and a surface to draw on, my thoughts will never go undocumented.