The wind tousling my hair, the feeling of paint mixing with graphite on my hands, the comforting smell of the salty waters; these moments often arrive when I least expect them, especially when I am on the verge of losing my motivation. Whenever art block strikes, my instinctual remedy is to visit the pier in downtown Beaufort, where I can sketch and paint in plein air. As an art student at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, I am fortunate to live in the Lowcountry, a region that offers endless inspiration. From the sweeping views to the vibrant wildlife, the Lowcountry nurtures my creativity in ways most other landscapes cannot. The pier has become my refuge. There, I can watch tourists wandering, all captivated by the same views, while birds soar overhead, and boats glide past. The sunsets are magical, and the nearby coffee shop offers the perfect pause where I can enjoy my usual iced chai latte and reflect on my work. It is in these moments that my inspiration flows, reminding me of the beauty of the world around me. However, when the weather does not cooperate and thunderstorms keep me inside, I turn my attention to my immediate surroundings. I look for beauty in the ordinary, sketching everyday objects in my apartment. The world around me is not just the exterior, it is also the interior; the small, intimate details that surround me. My dorm, with its cozy Lowcountry atmosphere, has become a second home, and I explore and admire both its simplicity and the richness of the natural world outside. For me, inspiration can be found everywhere, whether in the landscapes that stretch beyond the pier or in the quiet corners of my own space.

"Progression Personified" is a recent oil painting I created, inspired by René Magritte’s surrealist masterpiece "The Son of Man" and a personal recreation I first made in high school. Magritte’s iconic painting features his self-portrait with a green apple floating in front of his face, obscuring his identity. In my high school version, I replaced the apple with an orange, creating a self-portrait of my own. This piece, painted on a manila folder using acrylics, was initially created for a poetry portfolio in a creative writing class; simply an aesthetic addition with no deeper intention at the time. Over the years, however, this piece transformed from a simple project into something far more meaningful. As I recreated it annually, each version reflected my artistic and personal growth. My most recent iteration of this self-portrait, titled "Progression Personified," holds special significance. When placed next to earlier versions, it is evident how my skills have evolved, both in technique and in self-expression. The act of revisiting this piece each year has allowed me to witness my own progression, not only as an artist but as an individual. It is this tangible evidence of growth that makes it my favorite piece. It serves as a constant reminder of the progress I have made and motivates me to keep pushing forward. Each stroke of paint now represents a step in my creative journey, helping me stay focused and inspired as I continue to develop my craft.

From the moment I first stepped onto a stage, I learned something profound; no performance, no matter how grand, is ever the result of just one person. I remember my first musical, just a small role in the ensemble, but even then, I could feel the magic of the collaboration happening all around me. It was not just about my part; it was about how every actor, every piece of the set, and every note of music came together to create something far bigger than any individual contribution. That moment of realization stuck with me. The success of the show depended on everyone working together, and that understanding was something I carried in every performance that followed. As I got older, my role in productions evolved. I took on larger parts, even lead roles, but the core lesson remained the same; each actor, no matter their size or prominence in the story, was equally important in the final product. I was not just performing for myself; I was part of a collective effort. Every note in a song, no matter how high or low, created harmony, and that harmony could only exist through cooperation and teamwork. This was especially clear in choir, where I spent years singing both alto and soprano. Whether I was supporting the melody with deep, resonating notes or reaching for a higher register, I understood that both were essential. It was not about being the loudest or the most visible, it was about blending together to create something beautiful. This idea of collaboration has shaped how I approach life and how I see my future. As I pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts so I can move forward in a career in graphic design, I know that the same principles of teamwork will apply, though in a new context. Graphic design is more than just creating visually appealing images, it is about connecting with people and understanding their visions. I have always believed that the best design comes from a relationship where the client trusts you to bring their ideas to life, and you, in turn, listen and offer your expertise to make their vision a reality. I imagine myself working with small business owners, entrepreneurs, or even larger corporations, listening to their goals, and creating designs that reflect their brand, values, and aspirations. Just like in a theatre production, where every actor, regardless of their role, contributes to the success of the play, every part of the design process, every conversation with the client, every sketch, every revision, matters for the end result. It is a delicate balance, a dance between listening and creating, as well as guiding and being guided. Looking ahead, I am excited to take the lessons I have learned in the arts into the world of graphic design. I know that no matter the size of the project or the client, collaboration will be at the heart of everything I do. And just like in that first stage performance, I cannot wait to be part of something bigger than myself.