I am a visual communicator. I also have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) a progressive neuromuscular disease, and have been wheelchair-bound since age two. My disability definitely influences who I am, but it does not define me — as an artist or an individual. I view myself as being "differently abled" rather than "disabled," and I live life to the fullest every day.
Painting with acrylics as a young'un, I developed my own impressionistic style. I started to see the world differently from that point on, using my surroundings as inspiration and appreciating the little things in life. I fully realized that art was my passion. But when I began to lose the strength in my hands as an inevitable result of my disease, I also lost my ability to create. Accepting the hard facts of life with SMA, I decided to instead pursue a career in television production or radio broadcasting, since my voice remained unaffected.

While registering for classes in high school, however, I came across a brand new elective course called Commercial Art Technology, and I thought it would be an interesting alternative to learning French or joining the volleyball team. As it turned out, the class was more than just interesting: It was a game-changer. Aided by computer software that replicates traditional painting/typesetting/layout, and fueled by my unwavering passion for all things artistic, I found I was once again able to create. I didn't have complete use of my hands, but I learned to effectively manipulate the mouse using two fingers on my left hand. That's all it took!

I went on to graduate with a BFA from Digital Media Arts College, and I currently work as a professional graphic designer in Long Beach. I specialize in branding, illustration, ad layout and all forms of print design, and I also know a thing or two about Web design, CMS, SEO, UI and landing pages. Thanks to technology, today the only constraint I face is my own imagination — which means there's no limit to what can design.

In my free time, I pursue my digital art where I can produce anything I want without having to adhere to a client brief or having an art director hovering over my shoulder. So you'll find canvas prints, metal pieces, wall mounts, posters, apparel and all sorts of satire-laced, vintage-inspired, badass designs.

My recent interest of the human form interpreted through a digital medium has opened up a door to pursue opportunities in working with live models and model mayhem seems like a promising starting point of exploration.

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