Visual Art – Pittsburgh
I have been creating my whole life and through the years, I was developing this certain style without even knowing it. My zentangle-inspired intricate drawings are all done free-hand. Made with Sharpie and Prisma Markers on Bristol Board. I take everyday shapes, images, places and transform them into pieces that catch the eye of the every day people, both old and young. In June 2014, I was chosen out of 4,000 plus entries as the winner for Starbucks "White Cup Contest." My design was reproduced onto their reusable cups online and in every store in the US and Canada during this past summer. Winning this contest really launched my dream to have a business. The day before they announced me as the winner I created my Etsy shop. After winning, I got a lot of publicity and recognition, specially on my Instagram. Before winning I had maybe 600 followers, just a year and some later I now have over 50,000 followers and growing. I now have the opportunity to interact and share/ship to all over the world. Just a few years ago, I never thought I would have a business, or even be this successful. It all happened so fast and it has been nonstop ever since. I still remember the email I got from Starbucks right before they announced to world that I was the winner. The email said, "Be tough, be ready, because your life is about to change." It did, and I couldn't be happier.