Dennis A. Hall Memorial Scholarship for the Creative Arts

As sunlight pours in through my window, filling my room with a cozy and warm light, I sit cross-legged in my papasan chair, deeply focused. My sketchbook lay open on my lap as I add new details to a character that has become an old friend; a young woman raised in a forest by a native tribe. When I was twelve, I wrote a story about a matriarchal society ruled by a tyrannical queen who ordered the death of all of her female offspring, but the king, unable to bear the cruelty, devised a plan to save one child. He pretended to dispose of her as ordered, but instead left her by the forest’s edge, praying for someone else to raise her as their own and free the kingdom. The women in this world could transform into powerful beasts, a trait I wished I had at the time, and that I now understand was connected to discovering my identity as a nonbinary person. Due to being uncomfortable in my own skin, I was inspired to weave these ideas into the character's journey. Each pencil stroke added layers to my creation, six years in the making, turning a simple idea into a vibrant figure that seemed almost alive and ready to jump off the page. It’s been significant for me to have a character I’ve grown up with, as it has shown me that progress is more important than perfection. Many people connect with iconic fictional characters such as Eric Cartman, Winnie-the-Pooh, or Mr. Incredible, but the question arises: who is responsible for crafting these cherished figures? The answer lies with character designers. I have aspired to be a character designer for as long as I can remember because I can infuse characters with aspects of my own identity, as well as others who have less representation in art. Character design has taught me a lot about how to portray personality through visual elements, accurate cultural representation, storytelling, audience appeal, iterative processing, problem solving, experimentation, and adaptability. Furthermore, character design can serve as an incredible platform for promoting diversity and representation. Many people derive immense comfort from seeing themselves reflected in certain characters, and I aspire to provide this valuable experience for them. This may involve characters with little known disabilities such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, those with traits that have been marketed as “undesirable” like stretch marks, or those who have been through traumatic experiences. As a nonbinary person grappling with complex feelings about my identity, the presence of transgender characters in the media holds great importance for me. I aim to create characters whose personality traits transcend their gender identity, sexual orientation, and stereotypes, emphasizing that – just like everyone else – these characters are multifaceted individuals. Character design goes beyond merely crafting fictional beings; it serves as a powerful means of expression, connection, and representation. The characters that designers create resonate with audiences, reflecting their own experiences and emotions. Through careful design, we can tackle complex themes and promote diversity, ensuring that each person finds representation in the narratives we share. My own journey in character creation has highlighted the importance of perseverance and the need to develop nuanced personalities that entertain, inspire, and provide comfort. As I evolve as an artist, I am dedicated to building rich stories populated by characters that capture the complexities of human life. This dedication fuels my passion to create characters that not only narrate stories but also enhance understanding and connection in a constantly changing world.