My name is Miranda Perez, and I am currently nineteen years old, pursuing my dream of transferring to California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in the Fall 2025 semester. I was born and raised in the Bay Area, surrounded by my large, multicultural family. I am Filipino, Mexican, and Japanese, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be immersed in these diverse cultures. Growing up in America, a melting pot of traditions, I have witnessed the celebration and, at times, the lack of representation of various cultures. In Filipino and Mexican culture, family is at the heart of everything, and I have been fortunate to experience this priority in my upbringing. Although most of my Mexican relatives live in Southern California and my Japanese relatives reside in Japan, I was raised with my Filipino relatives, who played a central role in my life. Family gatherings were frequent, and my cousins, aunties, uncles, grandparents, and extended family were a constant presence. We did everything together from attending the same schools, participating in extracurriculars, playing sports, and, of course, enjoying family parties and “just because” dinners. These close-knit experiences have shaped who I am today. One of my most cherished childhood memories involves my mom regularly taking my cousins and me to the library. We would attend scheduled storytimes, read books together in the library, or check out books to enjoy at home. I was an avid reader growing up, and picture books, in particular, have a special place in my heart. As a visual learner, I found comfort in the vibrant, cozy world of “Goodnight Moon,” and I was fascinated by the detailed illustrations in “The Mitten” by Jan Brett. Books like “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes, “Fancy Nancy” by Jane O’Connor, and “Corduroy” by Don Freeman also stand out in my memory. I loved how books could transport me to new worlds and ignite my creativity. The art of transforming written words into illustrations and eventually bringing them to life on the page or screen has always fascinated me. This love for storytelling and visual art has inspired my career aspirations. I am excited to continue my journey at CalArts, where I plan to earn a Bachelor’s in Fine Art or Illustration. My goal is to use the skills I develop there to pursue a career in storyboarding, concept art, or illustration. I hope to create the same transformative experiences for future generations that I had when I saw stories come to life through art. A significant influence on my artistic path has been my uncle, Noel Tuazon, a children’s book illustrator. His minimalistic illustrations capture the essence of his subjects, and I admire his ability to include Asian representation in his work. It’s inspiring to see how representation is growing in children's books and cartoons, and I am motivated to contribute to this progress. The opportunity to bring diverse voices and cultures to life through art is something I am passionate about. Attending CalArts will not only allow me to hone my skills but also provide invaluable networking opportunities and open doors to a successful career. With the support of this award, I will be able to help cover the costs of my education, bringing me one step closer to realizing my dream of sharing the magic of storytelling and creativity with the next generation. Thank you for considering my application!

My favorite piece I have created is titled "Strong Roots," an oil painting portrait of my beloved grandmother. This work of art captures her natural beauty and grace, mirroring the flowers she cherished and nurtured throughout her life. My motivation for this piece extends beyond a portrait of a loved one, moreover, it serves as a heartfelt tribute to her remarkable spirit and unwavering character. My grandmother bravely left the Philippines during a chaotic period marked by war, navigating treacherous circumstances to seek a better life. As a single mother, she raised three children, juggling the demands of work and motherhood with unwavering determination and love. Even as she faced challenges, she generously supported her grandchildren, stepping in to raise them when their parents were at work, creating a stable and loving environment. Throughout her life, she demonstrated incredible diligence and strength, balancing her responsibilities while pouring endless love and patience into our family. The photograph that inspired this piece was discovered after her passing. It captured a tender moment of her caring for flowers in her home back in the Philippines. In choosing a warm color palette, I aimed to evoke the warmth and comfort she consistently provided, radiating positivity even in the most challenging times. This project holds profound emotional significance for me, as it encapsulates her legacy and spirit. I hope to continue creating artwork that shares the dynamic and often overlooked stories of individuals whose contributions and sacrifices deserve to be celebrated and remembered.