Ever since I was young I dreamed of being an artist. I have been doodling scenes for as long as I can remember. Now, as a digital art student, my dreams are coming true. But it was the support system I have that got me where I am.
In The Beginning
When I was a child, I would make a lot of drawings for my parents. A lot were horses. My best friend back then showed me a new way to draw horses, and they quickly became my go-to art piece. Another scene that I distinctly remember from my early days creating art was 3 pieces of paper, haphazardly taped together, with 8 reindeer and Santa's sleigh. I was so proud, it sat on my wall for months after Christmas. It was the support around me that helped me pursue my dreams further.
Elementary School
Some of the best support I had when I first started were my friends in elementary school. One day, a boy saw my drawing and said that he would pay me some of his tickets (our teacher's reward system) for the drawing. Pretty soon after that, I was making 5 tickets for each little commissioned drawing. My peers would tell me what animal they would want to be drawn, and I would have it done in a few days. This gave me a lot of confidence. Although the art was not great, because people liked it and wanted it, I was determined to get better. I was constantly checking books out of the library that would teach me new techniques.
Supportive Parents
Beyond the classroom, my parents were extremely supportive of my art. I would get sketchbooks on my birthday; pencils and markers for Christmas, and most importantly, my art never left the fridge until I made a new one for them. It was this kind of support that really led me to keep making art and eventually take classes throughout high school and college. It was this kind of support that kept me going through the times when I felt I wouldn't succeed.
In The End
After all this time I am incredibly grateful for the support. And any young artist in your life will be too. And if you are the young artist wondering "where is my support?" Don't give up hope. You will find that your closest friends can be your greatest
crutch during your creative journey. 13 years later and I still feel nervous to create, but I know my support system has my back.
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