Illustrating a future

   Each artist has a different story. The when, why, and where their art career started is unique for every artist in the world. Senior Jessie Elliott’s story began in second grade.

    “I would copy artwork off of classmates’ folders with characters on them and book illustrations for my friends,” Elliott said, “it turns out I was really good at replicating stuff so that sparked my interest [in art].”

   As she grew up, Elliott drew replicas of characters, experimenting in multiple medias, getting really good at drawing things like Disney VHS covers. She learned to draw using graphite and took photography classes when she was younger, though now she prefers to either collage with paper or digitally draw with her tablet on her Mac.

    Her parents also had an influence on her in the art world. Elliott’s dad designed houses when she was younger and her mom was an avid crafter.

    “My mom made Christmas ornaments to sell at craft fairs when I was really little,” Elliot said. “She’s creative like me, but not into art the way I am.”

  Elliott considers herself a social person, yet she also says she’s very introverted. “Social stuff wears me out faster,”she said “but I do enjoy being social when I have the energy.” She likes to keep a close knit group of friends rather than a large one.

    Last year in AP Studio Art Elliott won the award for best in show at the portfolio exhibit, and her work has been displayed in the Albany courthouse.

    Her ultimate goal is to get a career in 3D animation. She plans to enroll in Animation Mentor, the number one online animation school, next year to help her start making a demo reel.

    Elliott’s story is nowhere near over, but here is a glimpse into the making of a successful artist.

  Geneva Mellison