When did you participate in the Shooting Stars program?

I participated in the Shooting Stars program when I graduated from Blue Valley North in 2014.

How did you utilize your Shooting Stars scholarship?

I actually didn’t receive the scholarship! I just had the honor of being my school’s 2D art nominee.

What has been happening in your life since you participated in the Shooting Stars program?

I’m still in school! I attend University of Cincinnati, and am set to graduate in spring 2019. It’s taken a little extra time because we have co-ops – paid, semester-long internships – built into our school schedule. So far I’ve co oped in Rhode Island, Indiana, Illinois, and back home in Kansas City, working at companies that do toys, home security, medical equipment, and furniture. I am trying a little bit of everything, hoping to both figure out what I like and become a more well-rounded designer! When I’m not on co op, I’m back at school taking classes, involved in Greek life, campus ministries, student government, working on my portfolio, and catching up with friends. I also like to travel abroad whenever I get the chance, and spent a semester in Singapore last year.

What type of fine/performing/visual art were you passionate about then and do you still pursue the art today?

I was incredibly passionate about drawing, painting, and also ceramics. I still pursue art today, but a little differently – the type of art used in product design isn’t quite fine arts, but more an application of what I learned in fine arts, like technical drawing skills, understanding shapes, and digital composition skills. It’s also fun when sculpture gets involved, since some digital model-making is a lot like sculpture and ceramics! In my free time I pursue hobbies with more traditional art skills – I went on a trip to Italy to learn oil painting in the Italian countryside, do pottery at community art centers whenever I can, and like to go to figure drawing sessions.

How has the Shooting Stars program helped you to become a better artist?

In high school, I wondered if I was taking a risk pursuing a creative career. But being honored through Shooting Stars provided a huge confidence boost. It was so encouraging to know that I was supported not only by my teachers, but also the local community. It is incredibly meaningful to live in a community that celebrates art, and with experience and practice, I grew beyond the doubt that a creative career wouldn’t be fruitful. Even now, volunteering with Shooting Stars reminds me of what I love – why I chose to pursue product design in the first place – and how much my creative instincts and professional skills have grown since I graduated from high school.