So I grew up on a small farm in rural Ohio and attended public school in an romantic little American town with a gazebo, nice people and several churches. My parents both were hard working and both toiled to provide for my two brothers and me. I owe a lot to them, they instilled in me a good moral compass and work ethic. A talented and giving teacher found me and set me on a lifelong love affair with art. With her help, I received a scholarship to attend The Columbus College of Art & Design where I graduated from in 1996 with a BFA in Illustration.

Columbus exposed me to a wealth of diversity, cultures and experiences. I love that town, I had so many firsts there. Best of all, I met my wife and best friend there. We grew our careers and our family there. I found an active art scene in Columbus that was like a moving train…if you wanted to go, all you had to do was get on and go. Over the years, I have seen The Ohio State University grow its art program and community outreach in an effective way that benefits communities and the city overall.

I spent 20+ years in central Ohio freelancing as an artist and was part of many wonderful projects, teams, shows and community events. Although I was able to make a living, it was grinding to constantly be hustling for work. When my family relocated to the Dayton area to accommodate my wife’s new job, I took the opportunity to pivot into a career change.

I had multiple friends and colleagues in art education. I had had many rewarding experiences in educational art and working with young people and had found it both exhausting but deeply rewarding. I took the plunge and fast forward, two years and I am teaching digital art to high school students, exactly where I wanted to be. I still find it exhausting and deeply rewarding, pandemics and all.