Most of my life, I have worked with watercolor, pastels, and gouache. During COVID, I took animation classes for two years, and that’s when my love for storytelling really grew. I still consider myself a watercolor artist—there’s something profound about working with brushes and paint—but I find myself drawn more and more to animation. My stories feel bigger than a single image, and animation allows me to bring them to life through movement and time.

I find my inspiration in human emotion and everyday life. Small, quiet moments—like someone hesitating, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing joy—often spark my ideas. I’m also inspired by artists like Norman Rockwell and Vermeer, who show the depth and meaning within ordinary scenes. Their work reminds me that even simple moments can carry powerful stories. I try to capture that same feeling in my own art, whether through painting or animation.

$25,000 would lift a significant weight off my family by easing our financial hardships. With that stability, I could fully step into a new path—building a career in art, animation, and storytelling—where I can grow, create, and contribute something meaningful.