Gang Violence is something that has plagued the world for many years. Kids every day join gangs that eventually could lead to their deaths. I was inspired to write a story that brought concern to what gangs could do to the future of our cities and countries. The story's synopsis is: In a futuristic New York City, a young man (Jacari) is distraught by what the world has come to. 4 Gang families have powerful control over this city with no end in sight. He lost two of his childhood friends to gang control, and when one of his friends (Aaliyah) mysteriously shows up on his doorstep 2 years after she left, covered in blood, It becomes his last straw. After she’s fixed up They make it their life mission to destroy and disband these gangs once and for all… no matter what it takes. One of the main catalysts of the story is that our main character has a younger brother who he has always told never to join a gang no matter what, but one day his friends are peer pressuring him into a trial, and he feels he has no choice. Eventually, he is the last one standing and is now a part of a gang. The thought of having someone you care about, whether it is a friend, parent, or sibling, Taking the wrong path in life is heartbreaking. I wanted this story to show what the actual future could look like if gang violence never stops and no awareness is brought to it. In some communities, it's glorified to join a gang but truly on the inside its all corruption, there is a false sense of security that comes with joining a gang, thinking you have proper protection. But that’s not always true. The major point of this piece was trying to create a beautiful city full of bright lights and colorfulness, but also include some violence to show what gangs are truly like. In the bottom right corner, I’ve included 2 of our main heroes, Jacari and Kenji, Facing off against a gang leader. Many of the gang leaders in this story have no concern for whoever they hire to join their gang. My goal also wasn’t to write a story that is completely black and white on the morality spectrum. Most of these gang leaders truly believe that if they take these kids in, they are providing them with, a roof over their heads, food, and a family. Everything a child needs to grow. So through some people's eyes, it could be seen as righteousness. Even though it may seem like security, bad things will always come from it.

Video Games are amazing, unlike movies where we can only watch what happens, but video games allow us to make our own decisions and even sometimes craft our own stories. The interactive sense in the gaming world is what makes it so popular. Ever since I was young, I have wanted—nothing but to be a part of that world. Creating art has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Seeing the beautiful designs of various characters, creatures, vehicles, worlds, and much more Have always drawn me near to video games. Designing Worlds is a big part of who I am. Taking a blank slate, and drawing that first line on a page, could be the next step to creating a fantastical land that no one has ever imagined. Every single decision I make could be an essential part of that world. Whether it's magical water that gives life or a technologically advanced weapon that can decimate planets. In these worlds, There is so much that needs to be done and can be created. I believe characters are what genuinely make a world, a live-able place. The people of that planet or land are truly what make up that world The clothes they wear, the weapons they carry, and even the hairstyles they wear are all essential to the lives they live and how they blend in with the environments around them. Being an artist who eventually wants to make video games, has given me a purpose in life. The way my brain works makes it hard for me to focus on normal day jobs. But I always knew in the back of my head that I would never be able to live like that. Gaming allows me to escape to different dimensions where I don’t have to think about my struggles in life. Even when I am having bad days that make me think of horrible thoughts, gaming is always there to pick me back up. People in my life would tell me that I would never amount to anything if I chose the artistic path. but at the end of the day, it was the only thing that could make me happy in life. Countless people of all ages live lives just like mine, and even worse. And I want to create for all those people whether they are having the time of their lives or grieving from their worst days. I want to be there for all of them, and I believe through creating amazing video games, I can reach people all over the world. I hope one day I can share my stories and creativity with everyone.