Experience Summary
I have been drawing and creating art for a long as I can remember and it has always filled me with joy and been a true passion in my life. Now, with a BFA in Fine Art, and three plus years working in the commercial art field I have turned this passion into a career choice. Being a traditionally trained illustrator, who has worked professionally in the commercial art field, allows me to have a unique perspective on art and art teaching. To put it simply, I like to blend the old with the new. My traditional training provides me with knowledge of every classical medium, from graphite and charcoal to oils, paints and watercolors. I can appreciate the finer side of art and teach students various artistic skills and techniques that have been successfully in use and remained unchanged for thousands of years. Learning how to properly perceive an object in space, using geometric shapes to construct complex forms, and building artwork through layering are fundamental skills, and can make anyone a better artist regardless of talent or previous experience. My training also includes art history knowledge, so I can clearly explain where art came from and where it is now. This brings me to the knowledge gained in my experience working as a commercial artist. Having worked and contributed to the modern art world, I understand how art fits into today’s society and culture. This is where things like graphics design, digital illustration, and commercial art come into play. With my experience in these areas, I could introduce students to the idea that art doesn’t always have to be in a museum, and in reality it is all around us in pop culture and the business world. This would no doubt make art more relatable and interesting to today’s youth. As an art teacher, I can provide a winning combination traditional and modern approaches to creating art, and make it a truly interesting and stimulating subject.
Teaching Style
As an art teacher, I want my students to learn to enjoy the creative process and develop an appreciation art, even if it is not something they readily excel at or are considering for a future career path. Through exploration of the many different forms of art, such as drawing, painting, three-dimensional design, and even computer-aided illustration, it is my goal to help my students break free from the stereotypical notion that art is all about making the most realistic image possible or that there is one right way to create. Too often one’s creativity is stifled due to fear or criticisms, or that their idea will not be good enough. It is my hope that though a combination of traditional foundation art skills, like learning how to correctly view an object in space and modern teaching techniques, that my students will learn to overcome this fear, and become expressive individuals who think outside the box. This will allow them to face any obstacle head-on, by learning to look at the world around them from multiple points of view.
| Creative Arts |
 This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| I have a lot of experience in the creative arts as well as a BFA in fine art. So I am proficient in working with a wide variety of artistic mediums and styles. I am also highly skilled in imparting these skills to others. |
| Drawing |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Drawing is a very important skill to master not only of those who want to become better artist, but also those who simply wish to be more expressive individuals. Drawing creates the foundation for nearly every artistic discipline, whether it be paining, illustration, graphic design, or even printmaking. Over the years I have developed exception drawing skills and have become very adept at both seeing and rendering objects as they appear in space. Teaching someone else how to draw and in turn become a better artist is something I greatly enjoy. |
| Graphic Design |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| I have 3+ years experience working in the field of graphic design. I am highly skilled in all the programs associated with this discipline, and know the ins and outs of creating catalogues, business cards, logos, post card designs, posters, and numerous other promotional and marketing materials. |
| Painting |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Over the years I have created works of art using nearly every type of paint and painting technique available. My two favorite ways to paint are with watercolors and digitaly through the use of computer programs like adobe photoshop. |