My love for school and art has not only influenced me in a positive way, but it has also helped me have the drive to move forward and apply that passion towards college and becoming a professional artist. One of my biggest influences was my uncle Darius, who encouraged me to always use my imagination as a gift. He is an artist, and I grew up watching his ideas and stories come life which made me want to do the same. To this day, he still shares his knowledge of art with me which is why I decided to major in Fine Art. To receive this award would truly be an honor and greatly appreciated. If I am selected, all funds will be applied to the college of my choice and assist with my future goals. The reason for wanting to attend college is simple, to obtain the education to succeed with a career in art. I plan to attend the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, and major in Illustration/Concept Design for various forms of media. I want to learn how to expand my current art skills and knowledge of art to help me have the creativity to achieve and exceed my own expectations. Once I’m able to obtain my BFA in Illustration/Concept Design, I would like to create books and a variety of computer characters within a program that will help children learn things such as math, geography, and science while having fun. I would like my programs to be accessible to inner-city schools for special education students. I believe children can learn better when they enjoy what they’re learning. My characters will not only entertain children but educate them in a way they can relate to. Provide encouragement to those who find simple schoolwork difficult to learn. When I was a child, there were times when learning I relied on teachers and programs to assist me with learning. I often wanted to give up, but through patience and learning games I was able to excel and become a straight A student from grade school through high school. I was able to learn because someone to the time to develop special programs for children like me. The programs I plan to develop will be available for students of all ages and possibly change the lives of many children through art and imagination, the same way receiving this scholarship could change mine

First, let me start by saying thank you for this incredible opportunity. I guess you can say my love and influence of art is hereditary due to several family members who were also in the field, especially my uncle Darius, who is a current comic book illustrator. I've had a passion for art since I was a child watching him create such incredible . I wasn't very talkative, so art became my way of expressing myself and allowing me to channel certain energy. I'm what people call "self-taught" because I was able to observe and just pick up new techniques on my own. My passion is character design! During the pandemic, I began a series of holiday fairies which helped me work on my concept and illustration techniques. The one thing I love about art, is the way a simple concept becomes an actual image or structure. To have something in your head and be able to create it for others to enjoy. In art, there is no right or wrong way of doing something, especially when it's done from the heart. My reason for wanting to attend college is simple, to obtain the education and resources I’ll need to succeed with the plans I have for a career in art design. My passion has always been art and the various range of creativity within it. My goal is to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and major in Illustration and graphic design. One of my concentrations will be Character Concept Design for various forms of media. I plan to learn how to expand my current art skills and knowledge of art to help me have the creativity to achieve my goals. Once I’m able to obtain my BFA in Illustration, I would like to create a variety of computer characters within a program that will help children not only learn things such as math, geography, and science, they can so do while having fun. I want my programs to be accessible to inner-city schools for special education students. I believe children can learn better when they enjoy what they’re learning. My characters will not only entertain children but educate them using in a way they can relate to. My programs will be available for students of all ages. To receive this award would truly be an honor and greatly appreciated. If I am selected, all funds will be applied to the college of my choice to assist with my future goal of becoming a Concept Illustrator and sharing my educational ideals with children of all ages and backgrounds. The one thing I’ve learned that any child is able to learn when they can fully relate to the lesson being taught, and I hope that my programs will inspire children to overcome any disability and be able to engage their own dreams

First, let me start by saying thank you for this incredible opportunity. I guess you can say my love of art is hereditary due to several family members who were also in the field. I've had a passion for art since I was a child. I wasn't very talkative, so art became my way of expressing myself and allowing me to channel certain energy. I'm what people call "self-taught" because I was able to observe and just pick up new techniques on my own. My passion is character design! During the pandemic, I began a series of holiday fairies which helped me work on my concept and illustration techniques. The one thing I love about art, is the way a simple concept becomes an actual image or structure. To have something in your head and be able to create it for others to enjoy. In art, there is no right or wrong way of doing something, especially when it's done from the heart. My reason for wanting to attend college is simple, to obtain the education and resources I’ll need to succeed with the plans I have for a career in art design. My passion has always been art and the various range of creativity within it. My goal is to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and major in Illustration and graphic design. One of my concentrations will be Character Concept Design for various forms of media. I plan to learn how to expand my current art skills and knowledge of art to help me have the creativity to achieve my goals. Once I’m able to obtain my BFA in Illustration, I would like to create a variety of computer characters within a program that will help children not only learn things such as math, geography, and science, they can so do while having fun. I want my programs to be accessible to inner-city schools for special education students. I believe children can learn better when they enjoy what they’re learning. My characters will not only entertain children but educate them using in a way they can relate to. My programs will be available for students of all ages. To receive this award would truly be an honor and greatly appreciated. If I am selected, all funds will be applied to the college of my choice to assist with my future goal of becoming a Concept Illustrator and sharing my educational ideals with children of all ages and backgrounds. The one thing I’ve learned that any child is able to learn when they can fully relate to the lesson being taught, and I hope that my programs will inspire children to overcome any disability and be able to engage their own dreams.

First, let me start by saying thank you for this incredible opportunity. I guess you can say my love of art is hereditary due to several family members who were also in the field. I've had a passion for art since I was a child. I wasn't very talkative, so art became my way of expressing myself and allowing me to channel certain energy. I'm what people call "self-taught" because I was able to observe and just pick up new techniques on my own. My passion is character design! During the pandemic, I began a series of holiday fairies which helped me work on my concept and illustration techniques. The one thing I love about art, is the way a simple concept becomes an actual image or structure. To have something in your head and be able to create it for others to enjoy. In art, there is no right or wrong way of doing something, especially when it's done from the heart. My reason for wanting to attend college is simple, to obtain the education and resources I’ll need to succeed with the plans I have for a career in art design. My passion has always been art and the various range of creativity within it. My goal is to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and major in Illustration and graphic design. One of my concentrations will be Character Concept Design for various forms of media. I plan to learn how to expand my current art skills and knowledge of art to help me have the creativity to achieve my goals. Once I’m able to obtain my BFA in Illustration, I would like to create a variety of computer characters within a program that will help children not only learn things such as math, geography, and science, they can so do while having fun. I want my programs to be accessible to inner-city schools for special education students. I believe children can learn better when they enjoy what they’re learning. My characters will not only entertain children but educate them using in a way they can relate to. My programs will be available for students of all ages. To receive this award would truly be an honor and greatly appreciated. If I am selected, all funds will be applied to the college of my choice to assist with my future goal of becoming a Concept Illustrator and sharing my educational ideals with children of all ages and backgrounds. The one thing I’ve learned that any child is able to learn when they can fully relate to the lesson being taught, and I hope that my programs will inspire children to overcome any disability and be able to engage their own dreams Thank you, Tori Ryann Johnson

First, let me start by saying thank you for this incredible opportunity. I guess you can say my love of art is hereditary due to several family members who were also in the field. I've had a passion for art since I was a child. I wasn't very talkative, so art became my way of expressing myself and allowing me to channel certain energy. I'm what people call "self-taught" because I was able to observe and just pick up new techniques on my own. My passion is character design! During the pandemic, I began a series of holiday fairies which helped me work on my concept and illustration techniques. The one thing I love about art, is the way a simple concept becomes an actual image or structure. To have something in your head and be able to create it for others to enjoy. In art, there is no right or wrong way of doing something, especially when it's done from the heart. My reason for wanting to attend college is simple, to obtain the education and resources I’ll need to succeed with the plans I have for a career in art design. My passion has always been art and the various range of creativity within it. My goal is to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and major in Illustration and graphic design. One of my concentrations will be Character Concept Design for various forms of media. I plan to learn how to expand my current art skills and knowledge of art to help me have the creativity to achieve my goals. Once I’m able to obtain my BFA in Illustration, I would like to create a variety of computer characters within a program that will help children not only learn things such as math, geography, and science, they can so do while having fun. I want my programs to be accessible to inner-city schools for special education students. I believe children can learn better when they enjoy what they’re learning. My characters will not only entertain children but educate them using in a way they can relate to. My programs will be available for students of all ages. To receive this award would truly be an honor and greatly appreciated. If I am selected, all funds will be applied to the college of my choice to assist with my future goal of becoming a Concept Illustrator and sharing my educational ideals with children of all ages and backgrounds. The one thing I’ve learned that any child is able to learn when they can fully relate to the lesson being taught, and I hope that my programs will inspire children to overcome any disability and be able to engage their own dreams. Thank you, Tori Ryann Johnson

First, let me start by saying thank you for this incredible opportunity. I guess you can say my love of art is hereditary due to several family members who were also in the field. I've had a passion for art since I was a child. I wasn't very talkative, so art became my way of expressing myself and allowing me to channel certain energy. I'm what people call "self-taught" because I was able to observe and just pick up new techniques on my own. My passion is character design! During the pandemic, I began a series of holiday fairies which helped me work on my concept and illustration techniques. The one thing I love about art, is the way a simple concept becomes an actual image or structure. To have something in your head and be able to create it for others to enjoy. In art, there is no right or wrong way of doing something, especially when it's done from the heart. I have attached a couple of my favorite fairy concept drawings which I enjoyed creating. My reason for wanting to attend college is simple, to obtain the education and resources I’ll need to succeed with the plans I have for a career in art design. My passion has always been art and the various range of creativity within it.I plan is to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and major in Illustration. One of my concentrations will be Character Concept Design for various forms of media. I plan to learn how to expand my current art skills and knowledge of art to help me have the creativity to achieve my goals. Once I’m able to obtain my BFA in Illustration, I would like to create a variety of computer characters within a program that will help children not only learn things such as math, geography, and science, they can so do while having fun. I want my programs to be accessible to inner-city schools for special education students. I believe children can learn better when they enjoy what they’re learning. My characters will not only entertain children but educate them using in a way they can relate to. My programs will be available for students of all ages. To receive this award would truly be an honor and greatly appreciated. If I am selected, all funds will be applied to the college of my choice, American Academy of Art, and assist with my future goal of becoming a Concept Illustrator.

First, let me start by saying thank you for this incredible opportunity. I guess you can say my love of art is hereditary due to several family members who were also in the field. I've had a passion for art since I was a child. I wasn't very talkative, so art became my way of expressing myself and allowing me to channel certain energy. I'm what people call "self-taught" because I was able to observe and just pick up new techniques on my own. My passion is character design! During the pandemic, I began a series of holiday fairies which helped me work on my concept and illustration techniques. The one thing I love about art, is the way a simple concept becomes an actual image or structure. To have something in your head and be able to create it for others to enjoy. In art, there is no right or wrong way of doing something, especially when it's done from the heart. My reason for wanting to attend college is simple, to obtain the education and resources I’ll need to succeed with the plans I have for a career in art design. My passion has always been art and the various range of creativity within it. My goal is to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and major in Illustration and Concept Design. One of my concentrations will be Character Concept Design for various forms of media. I plan to learn how to expand my current art skills and knowledge of art to help me have the creativity to achieve my goals. Once I’m able to obtain my BFA in Illustration, I would like to create a variety of computer characters within a program that will help children not only learn things such as math, geography, and science, they can so do while having fun. I want my programs to be accessible to inner-city schools for special education students. I believe children can learn better when they enjoy what they’re learning. My characters will not only entertain children but educate them using in a way they can relate to. My programs will be available for students of all ages. To receive this award would truly be an honor and greatly appreciated. If I am selected, all funds will be applied to the college of my choice and assist with my future goal of becoming a Concept Illustrator.

First, let me start by saying thank you for this incredible opportunity. I guess you can say my love of art is hereditary due to several family members who were also in the field. I've had a passion for art since I was a child. I wasn't very talkative, so art became my way of expressing myself and allowing me to channel certain energy. I'm what people call "self-taught" because I was able to observe and just pick up new techniques on my own. My passion is character design! During the pandemic, I began a series of holiday fairies which helped me work on my concept and illustration techniques. The one thing I love about art, is the way a simple concept becomes an actual image or structure. To have something in your head and be able to create it for others to enjoy. In art, there is no right or wrong way of doing something, especially when it's done from the heart. My reason for wanting to attend college is simple, to obtain the education and resources I’ll need to succeed with the plans I have for a career in art design. My passion has always been art and the various range of creativity within it. My goal is to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and major in Illustration and concept design. One of my concentrations will be Character Concept Design for various forms of media. I plan to learn how to expand my current art skills and knowledge of art to help me have the creativity to achieve my goals. Once I’m able to obtain my BFA in Illustration, I would like to create a variety of computer characters within a program that will help children not only learn things such as math, geography, and science, they can so do while having fun. I want my programs to be accessible to inner-city schools for special education students. I believe children can learn better when they enjoy what they’re learning. My characters will not only entertain children but educate them using in a way they can relate to. My programs will be available for students of all ages. To receive this award would truly be an honor and greatly appreciated. If I am selected, all funds will be applied to the college of my choice and assist with my future goal of becoming a Concept Illustrator.

First, let me start by saying thank you for this incredible opportunity. I guess you can say my love of art is hereditary due to several family members who were also in the field. I've had a passion for art since I was a child. I wasn't very talkative, so art became my way of expressing myself and allowing me to channel certain energy. I'm what people call "self-taught" because I was able to observe and just pick up new techniques on my own. My passion is character design! During the pandemic, I began a series of holiday fairies which helped me work on my concept and illustration techniques. The one thing I love about art, is the way a simple concept becomes an actual image or structure. To have something in your head and be able to create it for others to enjoy. In art, there is no right or wrong way of doing something, especially when it's done from the heart. My reason for wanting to attend college is simple, to obtain the education and resources I’ll need to succeed with the plans I have for a career in art design. My passion has always been art and the various range of creativity within it. My goal is to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and major in Illustration and concept design. One of my concentrations will be Character Concept Design for various forms of media. I plan to learn how to expand my current art skills and knowledge of art to help me have the creativity to achieve my goals. Once I’m able to obtain my BFA in Illustration, I would like to create a variety of computer characters within a program that will help children not only learn things such as math, geography, and science, they can so do while having fun. I want my programs to be accessible to inner-city schools for special education students. I believe children can learn better when they enjoy what they’re learning. My characters will not only entertain children but educate them using in a way they can relate to. My programs will be available for students of all ages. To receive this award would truly be an honor and greatly appreciated. If I am selected, all funds will be applied to the college of my choice and assist with my future goal of becoming a Concept Illustrator.

First, let me start by saying thank you for this incredible opportunity. I guess you can say my love of art is hereditary due to several family members who were also in the field. I've had a passion for art since I was a child. I wasn't very talkative, so art became my way of expressing myself and allowing me to channel certain energy. I'm what people call "self-taught" because I was able to observe and just pick up new techniques on my own. My passion is character design! During the pandemic, I began a series of holiday fairies which helped me work on my concept and illustration techniques. The one thing I love about art, is the way a simple concept becomes an actual image or structure. To have something in your head and be able to create it for others to enjoy. In art, there is no right or wrong way of doing something, especially when it's done from the heart. My reason for wanting to attend college is simple, to obtain the education and resources I’ll need to succeed with the plans I have for a career in art design. My passion has always been art and the various range of creativity within it. My goal is to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and major in Illustration and concept design. One of my concentrations will be Character Concept Design for various forms of media. I plan to learn how to expand my current art skills and knowledge of art to help me have the creativity to achieve my goals. Once I’m able to obtain my BFA in Illustration, I would like to create a variety of computer characters within a program that will help children not only learn things such as math, geography, and science, they can so do while having fun. I want my programs to be accessible to inner-city schools for special education students. I believe children can learn better when they enjoy what they’re learning. My characters will not only entertain children but educate them using in a way they can relate to. My programs will be available for students of all ages. To receive this award would truly be an honor and greatly appreciated. If I am selected, all funds will be applied to the college of my choice and assist with my future goal of becoming a Concept Illustrator.

First, let me start by saying thank you for this incredible opportunity. I guess you can say my love of art is hereditary due to several family members who were also in the field. I've had a passion for art since I was a child. I wasn't very talkative, so art became my way of expressing myself and allowing me to channel certain energy. I'm what people call "self-taught" because I was able to observe and just pick up new techniques on my own. My passion is character design! During the pandemic, I began a series of holiday fairies which helped me work on my concept and illustration techniques. The one thing I love about art, is the way a simple concept becomes an actual image or structure. To have something in your head and be able to create it for others to enjoy. In art, there is no right or wrong way of doing something, especially when it's done from the heart. My reason for wanting to attend college is simple, to obtain the education and resources I’ll need to succeed with the plans I have for a career in art design. My passion has always been art and the various range of creativity within it. My goal is to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and major in Illustration. One of my concentrations will be Character Concept Design for various forms of media. I plan to learn how to expand my current art skills and knowledge of art to help me have the creativity to achieve my goals. Once I’m able to obtain my BFA in Illustration, I would like to create a variety of computer characters within a program that will help children not only learn things such as math, geography, and science, they can so do while having fun. I want my programs to be accessible to inner-city schools for special education students. I believe children can learn better when they enjoy what they’re learning. My characters will not only entertain children but educate them using in a way they can relate to. My programs will be available for students of all ages. To receive this award would truly be an honor and greatly appreciated. If I am selected, all funds will be applied to the college of my choice and assist with my future goal of becoming a Concept Illustrator. Thank you, Tori Ryann Johnson