Q: Your school counselor told me that you want to be an illustrator. How did you discover a talent for drawing?
A: It’s kind of a long story, but I’ve always loved to tell stories, and I used to do it with my dolls as a little kid. Everyone assumes that if you tell stories then you automatically have to be a writer, so I went into creative writing and tried to become a novelist.
I love drawing, but I love storytelling, and I wanted to find a way to bring the two together. Then I discovered graphic novels and Manga and stuff and thought, “I have to do something like this.”
Q: What steps are you taking to become an illustrator?
A: I practice my art a lot. I’m taking an art class at Everett Community College, and I’m going to be doing that all three quarters. I bought myself a drawing tablet for the computer so I do some digital art, too. Just lots and lots of practice mostly is the key and not getting discouraged.
Q: Do you have a goal for when you would like to publish your own graphic novel?
A: Not really. I figure I’m going to try to get through college and see whether I feel like my skills are ready. When I feel like my skills are ready I’m just going to start it and go for it.
Q: Where would you like to go to college?
A: I’ve applied to Brigham Young University-Idaho and Brigham Young University, and I’m still deciding between the two.
Q: What does your church mean to you?
A: It’s The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s a really big part of my life. I go every week, I do a Bible study class before school every day.
Q: What activities in school are you involved in?
A: Come the next quarter, I will be able to attend Latin Club. Before I had a schedule conflict and I couldn’t go but I really love Latin. I got put into Latin class my freshman year, and I didn’t know if I would like it or not. I just fell in love with the language and I’ve been in (the club) for four years.
Q: Are you a reader?
A: Yes, I very much like to read. Pretty much anything sci-fi or fantasy with a good plot I’ll like.
Q: What about music?
A: I’ve been taking piano for 10 years now, almost 11. I teach piano, and I have been doing that since freshman year. My mom got a degree in music, so she taught me to play. It’s just another way to creatively express myself if I have emotions, or even if I’m trying to discover one of my characters I will play music and I do some of my own original compositions around my stories. It’s not professional grade but it’s OK and people tell me they like it.
Q: I like your headband. Where did you get it?
A: Thanks. I made it. I make a lot of the stuff that I wear because they just don’t have it anywhere. I’m thinking that I want to minor in fashion design because as an artsy person I like that kind of stuff.
Q: When did you start making your own accessories?
A: I have like six of these (hats) that I started making this past summer, but I’ve been making stuff for about two years now. I make neck ruffles things that are very Victorian era.
Q: Are you close to your family?
A: Yes, I have three brothers, and one of them is in Sweden serving a mission right now. We get emails and letters from him. He sends a lot of pictures.
Q: Did you like growing up in a house full of brothers?
A: It has its perks. I have the largest room in the house and my own bathroom. I’m also the only granddaughter on my dad’s side, so I get the granddaughter gifts from my grandparents. They had four boys and all their boys had more boys.
Q: Is there something coming up next year that you’re looking forward to?
A: I’m excited for the Latin convention in March. We’re going to go over to Warm Beach for three days and hang out with people from other schools that have Latin programs. It’s one of the few places where you’re allowed to be a Latin nerd.
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