Growing up in school I always had trouble with learning how to read. When I tried to read, I kept struggling to understand or pronounce the words because Spanish was my first language. It felt as if I was missing something that everyone else understood. I was feeling stuck and unable to keep up with the other kids as they kept climbing higher into new reading levels. It was frustrating and, to be honest, made me dislike reading. I couldn't figure out why everyone else seemed to like reading, while I had fallen so far behind. When I came across picture books in class, everything changed. Even when I couldn't understand the stories, I was still able to attach meaning to them because of the illustrations. Slowly, the illustrations helped break down parts of the story and give hints about what was happening. For once I became interested in reading through picture books. I was able to read thanks to them, and soon I developed a new love for storytelling. I saw that stories are more than just words; it is how the words come to life, especially with illustrations. Picture books not only helped me to catch up on my reading but also inspired me. The combination of art and literacy captivated my interest in visual communication. Now that I am older, I learned how much those early books influenced my approach to design. The importance of communicating a message, either via words or visuals. As designers, our goal is to help guide readers through our designs such as illustrations, use of type, or pictographs. Being a graphic design student, I apply everything I've learned to every project. I think about how each graphic piece adds to a larger message or understanding of the context, as picture books taught me. If I win this prize, I intend to continue developing my skills in graphic communication by creating graphics in books, even if they are only charts or minor illustrations. I wish to help those who, like myself, may have had problems reading. I understand what it's like to feel disconnected from a story, and I want to create visuals to help readers grasp both the words and the content, just like picture books did for me. The award will allow me to pursue my studies while working towards my main goal of using visuals to support other's growth and learning in schools.

"Other fishes in the sea" is a phrase we're always told when a relationship doesn’t go the way we hoped or when we're struggling to find love. It’s meant to be comforting, a reminder that there are plenty of options out there, but in a world with millions of people, it often feels like finding someone who truly cares is anything but easy. The phrase itself is simple, yet it holds so much complexity behind it. Why does it feel like love is just out of reach, especially when we’re constantly being reminded that there’s always someone else? In this piece, I wanted to explore that feeling of longing and the confusion that comes with the search for love. A man is depicted in the center of the painting, surrounded by a sea of fish, symbolizing the endless search for connection. But despite the abundance of options, the fish seem fleeting, always just out of reach. The arms reaching out in different directions represent the many ways we try to connect with others—through dating apps, social media, or real-life interactions—constantly searching, but never quite finding what we desire. The movement of multiple arms and faces emphasizes the chaotic nature of trying to find something meaningful in a world full of distractions. I chose to use a palette of purple, yellow, and blue to evoke a sense of tension and uncertainty. These colors are vibrant, but they also carry a feeling of discomfort—like the yearning for love that never seems to be fulfilled. The candle inside the heart represents the spark we hope to find with someone, a flame that we desperately want to keep alive, but often feel is slipping through our fingers. Incorporating elements of technology, like phones and text messages, is a reflection of today’s way of communicating. We spend so much time scrolling through dating apps, sending messages, and wondering if we’re ever going to find that connection. It’s like a constant cycle of reaching out, but never really connecting in the way we hope. The multiple faces in the piece symbolize the different versions of ourselves we present when we’re seeking love—sometimes hopeful, sometimes unsure, but always searching for that one person who truly understands us. It’s a chaotic piece, reflecting how love and relationships can feel scattered, fragmented, and full of uncertainty. But at the core, it’s about that deep desire to be loved, understood, and seen for who we truly are. I love this piece not only for the visual elements but for the deeper meaning behind it. The more you look into the phrase "other fishes in the sea," the more you realize it touches on complex problems we all face when it comes to love, self-worth, and the difficulty of truly connecting with others. This piece captures the emotional layers behind the search for love, making it not just an image, but a reflection of the vulnerability and yearning that comes with it.

Growing up in Metro Atlanta, I saw the city as the future of opportunity, filled with determination, diversity, and creativity. It was an atmosphere where artists left their markings on every corner, through murals expressing one's stories. Considering Atlanta's constantly evolving scenery, the small Latino community in which I grew up had a significant influence on me. As the eldest daughter in a Mexican-American immigrant family, I had to negotiate with two separate cultures: all this city had to offer and my parent's sacrifices. Now I attend Savannah College of Art & Design in Midtown Atlanta, a city that still fascinates me with its energy and diversity. In such an environment, I've been privileged to discover my artistic expression while remaining rooted in my roots. The range of cultures, the never-ending creative genius on showcase, and the human stories connected into each creative space reminded me of why I fell in love with art in the first place. In a Latino household, there was no discussion about mental health in my family. Prioritizing survival frequently made expression seem like a luxury. Given how much my parents had sacrificed, I was constantly anxious that expressing my frustrations might come across as ungrateful. Nonetheless, being the first generation had challenges. Language barriers challenged learning—Spanish was my first language, and transitioning to English was difficult. I couldn't ask my parents for help with my homework, not because they didn't want to, but because they couldn't. I had to figure things out and put in a lot of effort to get educated as well. I've always been certain that I want to pursue my arts mission by attending college. However, growing up in an immigrant family meant facing financial difficulties. Unlike many of my peers, we lacked the security of a steady income and needed to rely on whatever help we could receive. During all of these difficulties, art became my escape. It was how I survived, went through what I had experienced, and developed a sense of control in an environment that often felt suffocating. A common question I've been asked is, "Why do you want to be an artist?" and my dad is the inspiration for my answer. Growing up, drawing was our way of bonding. Regardless of constant work in construction, he always found time to give me art supplies and draw with me after his jobs. He had a natural skill that impressed me, and it wasn't until years later that I learned he had abandoned his hopes of becoming an artist. In reality, it was never a choice for him—he needed to work to survive. Despite his sacrifices, he never gave up his love of art completely. Every time Dad handed me a notebook and a pencil, it felt like he was passing on a piece of himself, an unspoken sacrifice and a larger hope that I would one day be able to do what he never had the chance to do: have a future doing what I love. I would show him every piece I made, and seeing his eyes brighten up meant the world to me. In such moments, I understood he saw himself in me, and that art was more than just art; it was a connection, something we both dream. For me, art became more than just a way to express myself; it was also a form of therapy. The emotional weight of balancing survival and self-expression motivated me to blend art into my identity. My work empowers me to communicate my challenges visually, which inspires me to keep creating. I use art to connect with others who may believe their problems are reasons for giving up, as well as to show my challenges. It is a way of giving voice to people who struggle to find the words to convey their feelings. Aside from personal expression, I aspire to be an artist because I feel it can change people's lives. Whether it's raising awareness about societal issues, making someone feel understood, or just inspiring happiness art can connect people in ways that nothing else can. Artist Statement: My paintings depict my surroundings, my identity, and the people in my life. Each piece of art I create is a direct reflection of my personal experiences and emotions. In one of my pieces, I used recycled cardboard to highlight the issue of waste and the often-overlooked impact of typical objects, converting discarded objects into meaningful artwork. Another work, "Other Fishes in the Sea," looks into the pressures and expectations of dating culture, including the concept of choice and an ideal fit. In "Latinx Celebration," I created a portrait of my mother to recognize the accomplishments of the Latino community—farmers, workers, and others who frequently receive little recognition in the foundations of American society. The piece is both a celebration and recognition at once. I also touched on personal issues in my artwork, such as in "The Mirror," where I referred to the issue between my perception of myself and standard beauty ideals. This piece depicts the distorted view of the perception of oneself in a world where Eurocentric features are considered desirable, pushing me to face and rethink my sense of appearance. Lastly, an experimental self-portrait made with chalk pastels was influenced by Van Gogh's techniques. It used movement and emotion to create a genuine representation of internal conflict and forgiveness. My art is highly personal, formed from my background, my well-being, and the people I know. I find inspiration in everyday life, in colors, textures, and little things that others might overlook. To me, everything is artistic, from a conversation with someone special to the way sunlight flows through a room's window. My purpose as an artist is to show the beauty and significance of what appears to be every day, giving my work to express stories with which people may identify. Whether through portraits of people who inspire me or unconventional methods that push boundaries, my art portrays my world and the relationships that make it meaningful. For me, that is the true power of creativity.

My favorite drawing is called "Me & Myself." This piece is a intimate reflection of my childhood and the reality of attempting to soothe myself when there was no one else to turn to. I experienced isolation a lot as a child. With no friends, parents who fought over money, and struggling with schoolwork, I realized at a young age that I had to rely on myself. As the child of migrating parents, we were all experiencing this new life together for the first time, and I was aware that my experiences were contrasting with those of other kids my age. This realization influenced my identity and perspective on the world. Even as I’ve grown older, the little girl within me still weeps at any reminder of the past. The only way I’ve found to soothe her is through my form of escapism—art. Art has always been my outlet, a way to communicate feelings I couldn’t express verbally. It has been my means of expression, allowing me to navigate and make sense of my inner world. “Me & Myself” embodies this journey. It captures the emotions I’ve had to accept and the resilience I’ve built. It stands as a testament to my ability to find solace and strength within myself and highlights the importance of art in my life as both a sanctuary and a voice.

I've always loved the arts. I began as a traditional artist, but graphic design completely changed my concept of what art can be. It has challenged me to think differently and push my artistic limits. My graphic design style is vibrant, bold, and illustrative; it is a representation of who I am. My journey into graphic design started in high school when I attended my first class. I clearly remember a sense of excitement when opening Adobe Illustrator for the very first time. It was like discovering a whole new world where my love of traditional art could be merged into the world of digital art. Instantly after, I knew that pursuing a career in graphic design became my dream. Following my passion led me to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I can explore more deeply into the field of design. SCAD provided me with the tools and opportunities to develop my creativity beyond anything I could have imagined. The atmosphere here is motivating, with amazing designers and professors who always push me toward growth. Every project at SCAD encouraged me to develop my design further. What I enjoy most about graphic design is the opportunity to tackle challenges creatively. I believe that a single design may have such a major impact. It has the power to say something that deeply connects with people and creates change. I'm extremely passionate about using my skills to speak out for causes that I trust in and promote awareness about major issues in society. I also love that graphic design encourages me to try new things, whether I'm creating a simple minimal design or a more complex one. I love seeing my designs come to life, whether it’s on a piece of clothing, a magazine, or a banner at an event. Along with experimenting with design, I also attempted motion graphics, and I was amazed to see how easily you were able to make the designs move. Each client offers a new challenge, pushing me to think critically. I need that kind of variety since I get bored doing the same thing over and over again. Graphic design keeps things interesting and constantly supports me to grow, which is what I like best about it. In the end, it was my passion for art and my determination to pursue graphic design that brought me to where I am today at attending my dream school. I am grateful for the journey that led me to this point, and I am excited to continue growing and contributing to the field of graphic design.