Being born into an artistic family in Vancouver has shaped who I am, especially one member of my family, my art-loving father who taught me how to paint. However, as a child of two traditional, immigrated parents, I was encouraged to pursue “an easy job”, or something in the science field that would provide a high salary, but I found the idea unfulfilling and bland. Though I was decent at understanding theoretical concepts, making math and science courses easier for me to learn, I was not sure if the career was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

As if my life depended on this one high school decision, I struggled with the idea and all the expectations as all high school teenagers do. I discovered I want to make a difference in how people live their lives, tell stories and communicate my thoughts and experience. So naturally, I chose art as my platform to express myself. It wasn’t until I entered my high school graphic design and yearbook course when I discovered the wonders of design software and how passionate I became.

In these courses, I did not only learn about technical aspects of the software, but I also learned how to communicate and work with others better, as well as the importance, which I find has been a greater asset than any other subject taught in school. Surrounded by the various art forms around me, I chose to pursue Illustration and Design at Capilano University’s IDEA Program.

I want to continue my pursuit of design and storytelling and see where it takes me. I want to understand how people think and about different cultures existing in the world and how they are constantly changing and adapting along with people. I hope my art can capture this aspect of timelessness and modernness.