I am an artist and scholar from the rural Illinois countryside of the Saint Louis Metropolitan Region. I have a background studying drawing and painting as well as comparative literature, and started applying the principles of illustration and digital media to my work while earning my MFA in Visual Art from Washington University in St. Louis. Since graduate school, my interdisciplinary research has developed along the ontological intersections of art, literature, and media studies. I have taught university art courses in drawing, design, digital media, and art history as well as moderated panel discussions and developed new curriculum on digital painting, character illustration, design sketching, organizing light and color, film criticism, anime/manga fandom, science fiction fantasy art, and art technology. I have exhibited and published my work in a variety of group/solo shows, art galleries, museums, libraries, literary anthologies, conventions, etc. as well as worked with clients on role playing games, book covers, and comics.
My current scholarship and professional practice investigates how perceptions of class identity and mental wellness are distorted by archetypal character illustrations across various forms of literature. Where ideologies behind many design tropes may not be fully understood by neurodivergent readers, I often wonder how visual stylistic choices influence a reader's interpretations about a character's race, gender, intelligence, social status, and/or mental wellbeing. Because of how subliminal reader-responses to an artist's imagery may alienate those who see parts of themselves in the work, these curiosities drive me to be especially critical of my responsibility as an illustrator.
Furthermore, in a profession where modularity and computer mediation is crucial for maintaining flexibility and expediting success in the art industry, I often think more existentially about the uncanny effect that new media, digital tools, and simulation of traditional artmaking techniques has on understanding the significance that visual literacy and diverse representation has on reading comprehension and visual literacy.
These open questions are what guide my research and artwork:
What innovative methodologies could illustrators use to challenge archetypal tropes, or to reveal personal nuances in their design decisions, while still fulfilling the functional clarity and concise visual communication that is required when working on an assignment with an art director or client?
What happens to the value of intellectual freedom and humanity if excessive automation interferes with or is used to isolate prescribed decisions about a design, narrative, or personal life choices?
How can artists be more vigilant when curating their technical choices throughout each step of their design process while still being responsive to the needs of their audience?
In my free time, I enjoy collecting physical media as well as sharing my passion of drawing and visual literacy with others.
For inquiries regarding my availability to help visualize your next project, please send me an email:
