My art piece represents my journey as an artist, where each element captures a defining moment in my creative journey. At its center, I've placed myself twirling, symbolizing my continuous growth and transformation as an artist. The locations scattered throughout - from Colorado, to NYC, to Savannah College of Art and Design - map both where I've been and where I'm heading. I've blended multiple styles - from graffiti to architectural drawings to whimsical illustrations - showcasing how my artistic voice has developed through each life experience. The text "This is a slow peaceful road" floating among the chaos of color and movement represents my understanding that while artistic growth feels turbulent, it's a beautiful journey of self-discovery. Through my bold color choices and deeply personal references, I'm staying true to myself - just as this scholarship encourages. My focus on SCAD demonstrates my commitment to furthering my education in creative studies, embracing the scholarship's mission of supporting artists who dare to chase their dreams.

Success, to me, is a deeply personal journey that combines the feeling of being grounded - "home" and self-discovery. I'm Adri Kimmitt, an artist and student studying graphic design with an emphasis in brand design, and I've spent the last year exploring the theme of "home" through my art. Through these pieces, I've come to realize that home isn't just a physical place. It's a collection of feelings, memories, and aspirations. It's about the connections we make, the dreams we chase, and the moments that shape us. This realization has profoundly influenced my view of success. For me, success isn't measured solely by personal achievements. It's about using my skills and opportunities to create positive ripple effects that extend beyond myself. As an aspiring Brand Designer, I believe in the power of design to shape perceptions, inspire change, and uplift communities. My goal is to create compelling visual narratives that contribute to meaningful causes and advocate for underrepresented voices. This passion for impactful design began in high school. I remember the joy of designing T-shirts for local fundraisers and posters for our school's Make-A-Wish campaign. Seeing how my art could bring people together and support important causes was eye-opening. It was then that I realized the potential of art to make a real difference. My journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. Winning the SkillsUSA Colorado State Championship in Advertising Design and serving as President of the National Art Honor Society were validating experiences that fueled my passion. But it's not just about the accolades. The real reward comes from knowing that my work can touch lives and inspire change. One of my most meaningful projects was creating the Yohan's Pasta Brand Identity. Designing a cohesive social media kit for this small business taught me how thoughtful design can support local entrepreneurs and build community connections. Similarly, crafting the Bear Hugs Brand Identity for a decaf coffee company showed me how design can create emotional resonance and enhance people's daily experiences. Looking ahead, I dream of collaborating with organizations that align with my values. I want to design campaigns that address social and environmental challenges, create infographics that educate and inspire action, and develop visual identities that empower marginalized communities. I believe that great design can be a catalyst for social change, and I'm eager to be part of that transformation. But success, for me, also means paying it forward. My experiences as a Rising Star student at SCAD and as a Social Media Manager have given me valuable skills that I'm eager to share. I want to mentor young artists from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate the challenges I've faced and empowering them to pursue their creative dreams. This scholarship would be more than just financial support - it would be an investment in this vision of success. It would allow me to continue my education at SCAD Savannah, honing my skills and expanding my ability to make a positive impact through design. More importantly, it would enable me to take on more community projects and dedicate time to mentoring aspiring artists who might not otherwise have access to guidance and resources. As I look to the future, I'm filled with excitement and a sense of purpose. I can't wait to see where my creativity takes me next and how I can use it to inspire and uplift others. Success, to me, is about creating art that resonates, design that makes a difference, and a legacy of positive change. With this opportunity, I believe I can turn this vision of success into reality, not just for myself, but for the communities and causes I hope to serve.

My name is Adri Kimmitt, and I spent the last year exploring the concept of "home" in my AP art portfolio. My favorite peice from this exploration is titled "Home is the Place Where You're Going." This piece is particularly special to me as it encapsulates the journey of my life and the uncertain yet exciting path that lies ahead. "Home is the Place Where You're Going" features a cartoony, colorful style that is both vibrant and dynamic. At the center of the piece, I have depicted myself twirling, symbolizing movement in my life, growth, and the joy of self-discovery. The surrounding elements are a mix of whimsical illustrations that represent different stages and experiences of my life, each contributing to my understanding of what "home" means. The idea behind this piece was to convey that home is not just a specific location but a collection of feelings, memories, and aspirations. It's about the connections we make, the dreams we chase, and the moments that shape us. Through this artwork, I wanted to illustrate the concept that home is an evolving journey—one that is continuously being redefined as we grow and move forward in life. Creating this piece was a deeply introspective process. It allowed me to reflect on my past experiences, my current state of being, and my future aspirations. The cartoony, colorful style was chosen deliberately to evoke a sense of playfulness and optimism, highlighting the positive aspects of my journey!

Design is not just my job; it's the lens through which I see the world. Everywhere I go, I'm captivated and inspired by stories told through colors, shapes, and typography. To me, a trip to the grocery store feels like wandering through an art gallery. The products offered are more than just items to purchase; they convey messages about people's desires and values. Each aisle features a thoughtfully curated selection of products, each expressing its own story through its design. This understanding guided my work on the Bear Hugs Brand Identity for a decaf coffee company. I used warm colors and rustic elements to create a visual identity that communicated comfort and tranquility, reflecting the brand's "Cozy without the Crazy" motto. Every ad I see offers a glimpse into our community's character. This insight proves invaluable when tackling projects like the Puzzled Pages Brand Guide. By utilizing negative space to create a modern take on puzzle pieces for a publishing company, I was able to craft a versatile logo that speaks to the complexities of both puzzles and the publishing world. I'm always noticing design details others might miss: the style of letters on a shop sign, the clever use of space in a poster, or the colors chosen for city bikes. These aren't just pretty choices - they're clues about the core of the community the advertisments/designs were created for. This attention to detail was crucial when I designed and published a comprehensive cookbook for the Future's Lab CTE program. The project, published through Barnes & Noble, required meticulous layout design and content organization to create a user-friendly and visually appealing recipe book. Sometimes I find myself admiring a smart logo on a truck or spending extra time looking at interesting packaging. This passion turns everyday errands into exciting hunts for inspiration. But it's not just about enjoying others' work. Each great design I see pushes me to be more creative in my own projects, like the 70+ page "Guide to Creative Design Book" I created. This complex, multi-page project allowed me to showcase my proficiency in layout design and illustration, pushing the boundaries of my creativity. In a world driven by visual communication, having this "designer's eye" is more than just a skill—it's a way of understanding and influencing the world around me. Each project I undertake, from brand identities to comprehensive books, is an opportunity to tell a story, solve a problem, and create something that resonates with people on a deeper level.

I've always been captivated by the interactions of art and technology. Now, with the rise of AI and advanced digital tools, we're entering a new era of creative possibilities. I'm excited to explore how these innovations can help create meaningful art and impactful narratives. My career goal is to become a brand designer who makes a tangible difference. I firmly believe in the power of design to drive social change. My aim is to use my skills to amplify the voices of marginelized communities, designing brand identities that resonate deeply and authentically with their experiences and aspirations. While it's understandable that some view AI with apprehension, I see AI technology as a valuable ally in the creative process. AI can handle time-consuming tasks, allowing designers to focus more on conceptual and emotional aspects of our work. This efficiency means we can dedicate more energy to crafting designs that truly connect with people. As I prepare to start at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) I'm eager to dive into their innovative programs. SCAD's approach of blending traditional design principles with cutting-edge technology aligns perfectly with my goals. This scholarship would be helpful in allowing me to fully immerse myself in my studies without financial constraints. I believe that by combining human creativity with technological advancements, we can create designs that are not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant and socially impactful. My aim is to develop brands that go beyond aesthetics to promote equity and empower communities. This scholarship would be a crucial stepping stone in my journey. It would provide me with the resources to experiment, learn, and grow into a designer capable of making a real difference. With this support, I can work towards my goal of creating powerful brand identities that uplift marginalized voices and contribute to positive social change.

Community service has been a central part of my life, shaping my values and ambitions. Growing up in Fort Collins, Colorado, I witnessed firsthand the impact of dedicated individuals like Allison Thomas Swanberg, whose commitment to service left an indelible mark on our colorado community. Her selflessness and dedication to helping students achieve their dreams inspire me to follow in her footsteps. My name is Adri Kimmitt, and I am a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA (weighted with my college courses). I just graduated from Fossil Ridge High School. Throughout my high school journey, I actively participated in various design-based community service projects, ranging from creating T-shirts for local fundraising events to creating posters for the Make-A-Wish campaign at my school. In my family, community service has always been a huge priority. From a young age, I was encouraged to give back in any way I could. One of my earliest experiences was participating in the Fort Collins Mask Exhibition, where local artists created masks that were then sold to raise money for the community. I was proud to contribute my artistic skills to this cause and was inspired by the collective effort to support those in need. Beyond art shows, I also channeled my creativity into designing and selling books to fund a school Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. This initiative allowed me to see the tangible impact of my work, as the funds raised helped provide valuable resources and opportunities for my peers. Additionally, growing up, I volunteered with horses for my Bat Mitzvah project, an experience that taught me the importance of empathy and responsibility. This hands-on work not only connected me with the animals but also with the community. As I advance in my educational journey, I plan to attend SCAD Savannah, where I will major in Brand Design. My long-term goal is to become a professional in brand design, a profession that I believe will allow me to continue serving my community by helping to uplift and give voice to underrepresented groups. Through effective marketing and brand design, I aim to create campaigns and visuals that highlight the stories and contributions of communities that are often overlooked, ensuring they are seen, heard, and valued. I am committed to making a positive impact in my community through my career and beyond. This scholarship would not only support my academic pursuits but also enable me to continue Allison's mission of helping others achieve their dreams. I am dedicated to honoring her legacy by giving back to my community and creating a brighter future for all. Thank you for considering my application. Warmly, Adri Kimmitt

My mother, while physically present in the world, has been absent from my life since I was 14 due to mental health issues that deemed her unfit for parenthood. This abrupt departure felt like a loss, leaving a void in my life that seemed impossible to fill. Her absence pushed me into a new realm of emotional hardship, but it also sparked a resilience within me that continues to drive my ambitions today. My mom was my early mentor and guide. Despite her challenges, her dedication to her work and her creativity left a profound impact on me. In her absence, these qualities have become a beacon,fuelling my resolve to excel both personally and academically. The value of education was a principle my mother strongly believed in, and she instilled that belief in me from a young age. Even in her absence, her faith in the power of education became the cornerstone of my resilience. Like me, she also wanted to pursue a creative career, and I know if she was mentally here with me, she would be proud of what I have achieved. Navigating through this journey wasn't easy. The emotional strain and confusion of my mother's absence often threatened to derail my academic aspirations. But with each challenge, I found a renewed determination to succeed. I found solace in my schoolwork, channeling this personal adversity into my pursuit of knowledge. My Jewish faith played a significant role during this challenging period. The teachings of our faith, rooted in resilience, hope, and community, provided me with the strength and the perspective I needed to navigate this change in my life. In addition to my faith, the support from my father and community was instrumental in my journey. My father stepped up to fill the void left by my mother as best as he could, providing unwavering support and encouragement. My community rallied around me, offering a nurturing environment that allowed me to heal and grow. This support system became a safety net, catching me when I stumbled and cheering me on as I persevered. Through this scholarship, I aim to honor the resilience that my mother's absence has instilled in me. It would not only provide crucial support for my academic journey but also serve as a testament to the transformative power of personal adversity. Just like Sara Chaiton, whose life story embodies resilience, I too hope to transform my personal hardship into a source of strength and inspiration.

While Cat Zingano grappled with the physical loss of her mother to brain cancer, I've navigated a different, yet equally profound loss. My mother's battle with mental illness and sudden departure from my life caused a great emotional loss when I was only 14. Though not marked by death, this absence echoes with the same hollowness of irretrievable loss. Losing a parent, no matter the circumstances, is a deeply confusing and heartbreaking experience. It might not be a physical loss, but the emotional void left behind is just as deep. This kind of absence leads to an overwhelming sense of loss that changes the texture of daily life, reshapes relationships, and requires a painful readjustment. Every milestone that was supposed to be shared becomes a stark reminder of their absence. In the face of this emotional devastation, I've had to forge my own path forward. My dad, much like Cat's support system, has been my rock. But, the void left by my mom has pushed me to seek strength within myself. It is in this loss that I discovered my passion for design - a field that allows me to channel my creative energy and newfound resilience productively. Cat's story deeply resonates with me, illustrating that hardship can be a powerful catalyst for growth and success. Her resilience and ability to create a new normal after loss align with my journey of carving a future in the face of emotional challenges. I've come to view each academic challenge as a fight to be won, a testament to my ability to transform adversity into triumph. This determination has led me to a significant victory - acceptance into the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), my dream college renowned for its comprehensive program in brand design. This achievement stands as a testament to my resilience and unwavering commitment to my education. The scholarship would be more than just financial assistance; it would symbolize my resilience, mirroring the enduring spirit of fighters like Cat Zingano. It would provide crucial support in my academic pursuit, allowing me to continue my fight for excellence in brand design at SCAD. I am driven to show that one can emerge stronger from loss and use it as motivation to fight for a better future. Like Cat, who fights to show her son that hardship cannot conquer one's life, I fight through my academic pursuits to prove that personal loss can be transformed into determination.

As a high school senior The song that resonates with me the most from 1989 TV has to be "Is It Over Now?" The song's opening lines perfectly capture the emotional ups and downs I've experienced during my senior year. When Taylor sings “Once the flight has flown, with the wilt of the rose,” it's the perfect metaphor for the feeling of closing one chapter of life and welcoming new opportunities. Like Taylor, I also question if “it’s over” as routines and friendships evolve and come to and end in anticipation of graduation. The line "Was it over when she laid down on your couch?" serves as a metaphor for something comfortable that has now been tainted. The couches on which we used to have sleepovers now gather dust as our paths diverge. This lyric evokes the same pit-in-stomach feeling as realizing that things are changing rapidly. Despite the heartache that comes with transitions and changes, Taylor's defiant lyrics push me through the nostalgia. Just as Taylor thinks about "Jumping off of very tall somethings", I embark on leaps towards long-held college dreams or first internships. Taylor makes the case for faith even without guarantees. If she can bare her soul in lyrics to motivate personal growth and hold others accountable, I can take risks in pursuit of my best self. This song speaks to the feeling of the past and future crashing together in a reeling moment, stepping away from home, and towards my future. It's a time of both excitement and fear, as I navigate the unknown and leave behind the familiar. Taylor's words remind me that endings can bring new opportunities if we dare to leap. Her music gives language to this turning point in life and helps me to find the courage to take the next step. After three hundred sleepless, coffee-fueled nights later studying for finals or working on my portfolio, I know that “Is It Over Now” will continue to speak to my experiences. It will echo in that moment of stepping away from home and towards my future. Even as I leave behind the people and places that I've loved, I know that I can find strength in Taylor's music. Her words remind me that every ending is also a beginning and that it's up to me to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. I'm grateful for Taylor's music and the way that it's helped me to process the emotions of senior year. Her music has been a constant throughout my whole childhood life, and i'm glad it's something I can bring with me as a I start adulthood! Her lyrics have given me solace, inspiration, and the courage to take risks in pursuit of my dreams. As I move forward into the next chapter of my life, I know that I'll carry her words with me, and that they'll continue to provide comfort and guidance in times of both joy and hardship.