My people made the blues out of their sorrows, turning melancholy into a melody that enriched the fields. My people made the traffic lights that safely guide others to their destinations. My people helped make the knob that allowed you to get into the very room you sit in now. To be Black is to belong to a bloodline rooted in creation, ingenuity, and progressive design. It is from this legacy that my longing to work within the Graphic Design industry is born. When I was young, my mom taught me the importance of presentation; how the value of things was often determined by how it looked. As humans, we are naturally attracted to things that sparkle and shine: diamonds, rubies, gold, a clean house— it catches the eye. The same goes for one’s appearance. My mother knew that as a young Black girl, my presentation would be read before my words ever were. She taught me to remain neat and intentional, so that when a harsh and unclean world tried to soil me, I would always know how to wash myself back into wholeness. I am now 18 years old attending the University of North Texas, still enacting the lessons my mother taught me during my youth. As I’ve grown into myself, I’ve realized that I’m naturally drawn to neat and tidy things. Be it appearances, foods, wardrobes, or even cultures as a whole, the perfection of it all strikes my fancy. It was through this lens that I began to recognize how closely Korean culture aligns with the values I admire. Possessing a strong musical ear, I was naturally drawn to K-Pop and its meticulously curated image. I’d consider the genre to be a “thing” that is shiny and cherished. However, even with all its “polishing”, it bears some rough patches. Through research, I began to recognize how heavily the industry draws from Black culture and aesthetics—often refining them to fit an Asian-centered standard. This influence is not concealed either: idols are styled in box braids and grills, perform over hip-hop–inspired beats, and execute choreography strangely akin to “hip-hop” or other African cultural dances. The masses seem to love when this “aesthetic” is displayed on certain Asian individuals, yet, when a Black person proudly exhibits their culture it’s not nearly as revered or appreciated. This is where my mission begins. As a prospective Graphic Designer, I aim to make projects that advocate for the presentation of Black art interwoven with cultures worldwide rather than extracted from them. According to Zippia.com, the Graphic Design industry remains overwhelmingly white, with African Americans comprising only 3% of the field, a figure that rises by just 1% within Art Director roles due to the smaller pool of professionals. Through this mission, I seek not only to challenge these disparities, but to inspire the next generation by showing young Black children everywhere that our culture is already embedded in nearly every aspect of the world and that it is ours to reclaim, reframe, and lead!

My people made the blues out of their sorrows, turning melancholy into a melody that enriched the fields. My people made the traffic lights that safely guide others to their destinations. My people helped make the knob that allowed you to get into the very room you sit in now. To be Black is to belong to a bloodline rooted in creation, ingenuity, and progressive design. It is from this legacy that my longing to work within the Graphic Design industry is born. When I was young, my mom taught me the importance of presentation; how the value of things was often determined by how it looked. As humans, we are naturally attracted to things that sparkle and shine: diamonds, rubies, gold, a clean house— it catches the eye. The same goes for one’s appearance. My mother knew that as a young Black girl, my presentation would be read before my words ever were. She taught me to remain neat and intentional, so that when a harsh and unclean world tried to soil me, I would always know how to wash myself back into wholeness. I am now 18 years old attending the University of North Texas, still enacting the lessons my mother taught me during my youth. As I’ve grown into myself, I’ve realized that I’m naturally drawn to neat and tidy things. Be it appearances, foods, wardrobes, or even cultures as a whole, the perfection of it all strikes my fancy. It was through this lens that I began to recognize how closely Korean culture aligns with the values I admire. Possessing a strong musical ear, I was naturally drawn to K-Pop and its meticulously curated image. I’d consider the genre to be a “thing” that is shiny and cherished. However, even with all its “polishing”, it bears some rough patches. Through research, I began to recognize how heavily the industry draws from Black culture and aesthetics—often refining them to fit an Asian-centered standard. This influence is not concealed either: idols are styled in box braids and grills, perform over hip-hop–inspired beats, and execute choreography strangely akin to “hip-hop” or other African cultural dances. The masses seem to love when this “aesthetic” is displayed on certain Asian individuals, yet, when a Black person proudly exhibits their culture it’s not nearly as revered or appreciated. This is where my mission begins. As a prospective Graphic Designer, I aim to make projects that advocate for the presentation of Black art interwoven with cultures worldwide rather than extracted from them. According to Zippia.com, the Graphic Design industry remains overwhelmingly white, with African Americans comprising only 3% of the field, a figure that rises by just 1% within Art Director roles due to the smaller pool of professionals. Through this mission, I seek not only to challenge these disparities, but to inspire the next generation by showing young Black children everywhere that our culture is already embedded in nearly every aspect of the world and that it is ours to reclaim, reframe, and lead!

To be Black, queer, and a woman is to inherit a life shaped by adversity. From the moment I was born, to the second I exist now, I have learned to expect nothing but resistance in my pursuit of success. What some may consider burdens, I appraise as tools— units that have welded my character. It is through these identities that I have found my strength, and with that strength, I continue forward on a path carved by my passions. The career I seek for myself is not typical. Art Director is rarely the expected response to “What do you want to be when you grow up? But it’s what I’ve chosen for myself- a career as layered and complex as I am. To be an Art Director is to create with intention, to decide with confidence, to judge with clarity, and to envision what does not yet exist. I wholeheartedly believe that my existence has set me up for this role. When I was young, my mom taught me the importance of presentation. How my looks equaled how I acted. One wasn’t more important than the other, they were both vital to my image. As a toddler, I couldn’t possibly understand why my hair had to be nicely kept, or my jeans were always worn with a belt. The use of ebonics was strictly forbidden in the household, there was no “y’all” or “ain’t”, but always “you all,” or “am not”. And swearing? I wouldn’t dare utter a vowel of profanity lest my mouth get washed out with soap! Little did I know, she was equipping me for the journey ahead. I am now 18 years old attending university, still enacting the lessons my mother taught me during my youth. As I’ve grown into myself, I’ve realized that I’m naturally drawn to neat and tidy things. Be it appearances, foods, wardrobes, or even cultures as a whole, the perfection of it all strikes my fancy. It was through this lens that I began to recognize how closely Korean culture aligns with the values I admire. Possessing a strong musical ear, I was naturally drawn to K-Pop and its meticulously curated image. Although I discovered the genre sometime during my sophomore year, I have only recently taken a deeper interest in what makes Korean pop culture appear so pristine. Through research, I began to recognize how heavily the industry draws from Black culture and aesthetics—often refining them to fit an Asian-centered standard. This influence is not concealed either: idols are styled in box braids and grills, perform over hip-hop–inspired beats, and execute choreography strangely akin to “hip-hop” or other African cultural dances. I want to use my life story to help rewrite the narrative surrounding K-Pop. While I still appreciate its cultural impact, I now find myself wondering what it might look like if shared through the lens of Black excellence. This mission is deeply personal to me—it is a journey not everyone is equipped to face. It requires carrying an identity like mine and finding strength within it. Because these traits are inseparable from who I am, I will continue to create, challenge, and reimagine the outcomes I desire. To be Black, queer, and a woman is to inherit a life shaped by adversity—and then rise with the strength born from it.

The gift of creation is often undermined by the nuance that the best gifts are often store-bought and practical. And, while there’s nothing wrong with supplying such things, in my opinion, the worth of a homemade gift is much more valuable than anything with a price tag. As someone who has made their fair share of handmade presents, I can attest that the visual of seeing a friend receive something specially made for them is truly one of the best feelings in the world, and a high I dare to keep chasing. I want to continue sharing my gifts with people through many mediums because joy is meant to be shared, not bought. The first time I had ever taken on a “professional commission” I was around the age of 13. I had scoured the internet far and wide snooping for gracious buyers I hoped my art would charm. Eventually, my luck had struck and I landed a customer. In exchange for $20 I was to draw an OC (Original Character) of theirs: Fullbody, cell shaded, and with a simple background. I was elated. Wasting little time, the adrenaline surging through my body forced my hand upon my stylus to eagerly start the commission. Drowning my digitized-canvas with a sea of references, I gave myself no breaks until I settled on a sketch I was proud of. Once completed, I excitedly sent my commissioner the WIP image, anxiously awaiting their approval of the draft. My worries quickly washed away though, as my client was delighted with the sketch! Confirmation was all I needed for another wave of adrenaline to flood my system, readying me for a secondary 4-hour-drawing-session. I ensured that my lines were crisp, colors saturated, and borders, bolder than my 13-year-old ego. And with that… The masterpiece was complete! I sent back the finished piece with a mix of emotions: Pride, anxiety, hope, unease; All of which compiled together to create the most important thing: Care. I cared so deeply about the drawing because I wanted my customer to be satisfied with their purchase. $20 truthfully, isn't much money, but it was never about the price, it was about the experience. I was meant to source their joy. Upon the reveal of the artwork, my client had filled our chat with jubilant messages and much, much gratitude. It was the perfect gift for them.

"Mauve-Tinted Lenses" “And when the two intertwine they make me.” Kindness is a gift bestowed upon me by my mother. Her warmth is something I’ve known my whole life, something I’ve come to cherish very deeply. She is red in my vision, representing love, benevolence, and compassion. Expression is a gift bestowed upon me by a band director. His vulnerability was striking- never before had I seen a man of his age and profession act so…childish(in a charming way!). He is blue in my vision, representing wonder, sensitivity, and passion. I am incomplete without either half. I wouldn’t dare present myself simply just red, or blue. I need both, as I am both. A mixture of their qualities and devotions that guide me through an ever-changing black-and-white society. I see the world through mauve-tinted lenses and wish others would do the same. But wishing isn’t enough. Wishing doesn’t get things done; Actions do.  The character I’ve painted myself to be is just as complex as the individual “colors” themselves. While I pride myself on holding true to their attributes, I mustn't forget that I am my own unique shade with particular qualities and traits alike. I am creative and clumsy, generous, outspoken, and adaptive. People find the ambiance I exude to be pleasant, which I couldn’t be happier about as all I want to do is make those around me joyful. I share my presence with peers through a multitude of gestures, be it conversation, gift-giving, or even just a simple “Hello!”. What my mauve-tinted lenses can see that most others may not is that: A little can truly go a long way, and my minor acts of service may not be so minute to an individual who really, just needed a hug that day; That is what it is to be Purple.  To my benefactors, Red and Blue, I am determined to pay them back through my success. And, while money is typically the root component surmising around that trope, more than anything else I want them to be proud of who I am, and all that I’ll become. I want them to revere my character- their character, placed in me, watch it grow and blossom into a lavender array that embellishes the world, so that all may view reality through mauve-tinted lenses. I am indebted to my Mother and Band Director. Of reds, blues, purple hues, failure is not part of my palette.