The Middle:

As my own creative talents began to emerge, I decided that I wanted to take it a step further than just a passtime hobby. When the time came to enter high school, I decided to go to North Shore Technical High School where I took up Commercial Art. I remember feeling a strong sense of pride and satisfaction that I was carrying on my father's talents and making art and design a huge part of my education and my life. This became even more important to me when my father unexpectedly passed away halfway through my sophomore year in high school. I continued my education and development as an artist, carrying on my father's memory and legacy in my own work. It was during my time in high school that I discovered graphic design, a hybrid of sorts between computer technology and artistic creativity. I was good at both, so this is the direction I decided to take.

Not Really the End:

After a few years off from school, I decided to go on to college to study graphic design. I chose North Shore Community College because I first wanted to pursue my Associate's degree before making a decision to move on to a 4-year school, and for their very impressive Digital Graphic Design program unmatched by many of the 4-year programs in the Boston Metro area. I learned so much during my time at NSCC, not just in the area of art and design, but about myself. It was at NSCC that I was able to come out of my shell and realize my own strengths and potential as an artist and designer, as well as form close relationships with my peers and instructors that have helped me to grow as a person. I can't thank my professors at NSCC enough for their support and encouragement, and their continued involvement in my personal and professional life.

After my graduation from NSCC, I went on to pursue my Bachelor's degree at The New England Institute of Art. Here I continued to learn so much about the graphic design field that has well prepared me for the real world. Many of the instructors here have also taught me a great deal and have given me the constructive criticism I needed to become an even better designer. I made many friends here through my involvement with the Academic Achievement Center and Residence Life, and will not soon forget my experiences at NEiA.

As I pursue a career as a graphic designer and plan for the future, I will always keep in the back of my mind how I came to be where I am at today. Without the support of my family, friends, and teachers, I would not have had the strength and motivation to keep at it and give each day my all. The source of my inspiration truly is my father and his incredible talents; I believe with every fiber of my soul that I would not be the artist I am now if I had been anyone else's daughter. My other inspiration is my little brother Kyle. I want to show him that no matter what kind of background you come from or what kind of life you've had, you alone have the power to turn it around and become the person you want to be and succeed in life.

I will leave you with a personal phrase that has helped me through the last four years: "How can you see where you're going if you spend your whole life looking over your shoulder?"

-Kristalyn

This song is a good representation
of my life journey.
Click here to get this song from iTunes