My favorite type of art to create is photorealistic ink portraiture, using fine liner ink pens and color blocking. I like the discipline of working in ink because there is no easy undo, only steady building of tone, contrast, and detail until a face emerges. There is something satisfying about turning simple lines and blocks of ink into something that feels alive and present on the page.

I mostly draw strangers I find online, especially people with smaller followings who aren’t constantly in the spotlight. There’s something meaningful about noticing someone who might otherwise be overlooked and turning their presence into something permanent. People don’t expect to be turned into art, and seeing their reaction when they realize someone took the time to draw them is kind of the whole point for me. It makes the internet feel a little more human.

If I received $25,000, I would donate much of it to organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I care deeply about strengthening support systems for communities that are often under-resourced. I would also invest in my education by pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership so I can better contribute to long-term, sustainable change.