Nicole on becoming an "Artist"

As long as I could remember growing up my parents fostered my gravitation to art. Developing ability to draw, sew, crochet, crafting, drama and my attempts to write (content good - grammar not so much). Each area I was blessed to have talented teachers that I would see on week nights, weekends and summer break. I even looked at changing schools my junior year to a place that could provide me more advance art classes, but at the time didn't want to start from scratch friendships.

I was often seen as the "Artist" at school wearing my own unique style and hand painting clothing with my vision of cool characters. As I look back, I realized it wasn't only my parents that fostered my passion for art, but also the people that surrounded me on a daily basis. Even if they were making fun of what I was wearing, they noticed and I made my point of being unique.

In developing the book I decided to make the illustrations through another person's vision and computer skills. It was great working with Adam to direct the look and feel of the characters and their surroundings. Through my training I have developed an appreciation for other people's talents and recognize to use them where my weaknesses are (computer cartoon illustration).

"Artist" to me is the ability to create something fresh and imaginative utilizing your surroundings to enhance and engage the lives of others through your own vision.