A BEGINNING
I used to draw constantly. Sketchbook in hand, I’d search for a pencil and spend time in my imagination. I loved it; it wasn’t forced; it felt natural and easy. Whether at the kitchen table with my dad or in a Barnes & Noble, I was drawing. That’s where one of the first expressions of my creativity emerged: a pencil and a piece of paper. I remember going to the library and looking for art books. I would often grab the same ones over and over again. I’d study them, then practice, studying different styles and learning how artists portrayed movement and expression in my illustrations.
PLAYGROUND
Creativity grew in my little world when we started doing Christian theater ministry together as a family. Early on, I tried my hand at acting, but that didn’t last long. I settled into costume and set design instead. I’ve always gravitated toward the visual and how to make an idea come alive. I loved sketching my ideas on paper, developing color palettes, and creating characters. I learned how to build theater flats, participated in painting, and joined in the hunt for the perfect prop at thrift stores in the area. There’s always been something special about theater. Seeing the curtains open and knowing that I had been part of a team that made this happen holds a distinct place in my heart. The goal was always to share the gospel with these productions, to point people to Christ. I think that was where I first learned to look for purpose in the things that I create.
By the time I got to high school, joining the stage crew and set design felt like a natural choice. My senior year costumes moved back “in-house”. One of my art teachers had heard about my prior experience creating costumes and wondered if I was up for the challenge of working on the costumes for our play and musical that year. We had wardrobes and wardrobes of forgotten costumes to sort through, but it was usable material. Before long, a group of friends and I had created a little crew. I remember being in that room under the stage before school, during lunch, and after final period. There was a lot to do! But by the grace of God, we got it done. I remember beaming all through the shows; I kinda couldn’t believe it. I had stepped out in a way that I hadn’t before, outside of my family environment, but I had also achieved more than I had up to that point.
AMBITION CAN'T WAIT
Soon, it was off to college. I chose Fashion, and I worked at it. In 2021, I graduated summa cum laude from Drexel University. My time in high school at Central prepared me for the long hours that fashion would require. I gained technical skills like pattern making and 3D knitting. I became more versed in Photoshop and Illustrator. My sketches and illustrations took on a life of their own. For me, fashion was birthed out of costume and costume out of sketching.
QUALIFIÉE
In 2022, I started working at Anthropologie as an assistant designer. The role started out temporary, but I was eventually made full-time. The almost four years that I spent at Anthropologie were a gift. I designed for both the Maeve and By Anthro labels at one point or another. I had the opportunity to design skirts, blouses, and cut-and-sew knit tops. I experienced cross-functional collaboration, I grew in confidence and the ability to communicate and present my ideas, and I learned the value of a well-built team. But I think a lot of people can relate to deadlines taking over the dream & efficiency crowding out enjoyment. That little girl who loved sketching hadn’t been seen for a while. She didn’t leave altogether, but she had to be quiet. There was a lot to get done.
FURTHER EDUCATION
METAMORPHOSIS
But over the last few years, my relationship with Christ has reintroduced me to that girl. In many ways, Christ has reintroduced me to myself. I have found a new freedom, one that rejects striving rather than leaning into it. One that seeks to embrace authenticity instead of looking for a corner to hide in. Freedom takes up much more space than we are often willing to give it, so a metamorphosis was required. I want my art to be about truth-telling now, sourced from a place of authenticity, and curated in a quiet confidence that comes from Christ alone.
So I’m back to the sketchbook. I don’t know exactly what is ahead, but that’s ok. I’m excited to create again. Ideas are bubbling up with an eager anticipation. That’s a good feeling; it’s a great one.
I’m grateful that God was faithful to keep that little girl company while I was busy.
