The Life of a Versatile Artist
"Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in various forms"
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Growing up I didn't always want to be in the creative field. I wanted to be a meteorologist, a pediatrician, a chef & even a teacher. I would always watch the weather channel, I love kids, I love food, cooking and acting like a teacher was so fun as a kid.
One thing I am so grateful for is that my mom ensured that I explored my creativity, skills and talents. I've always been very athletic. I played basketball, soccer, volleyball, bowling, karate, dance, tumbling and cheerleading. During my cheerleading career I was able to utilize a creative side of me to choreograph routines and make music mixes. I was also musically creative. I found a voice that I didn't know I had. I would write songs/poems, record myself singing when I was alone, even played the piano and the trombone. I wrote a song with one of my cousins back in middle school and we got in a home studio with one of our neighbors and recorded it. Hilarious but one of the coolest experiences ever. After that I knew I enjoyed writing. I've always been told that I am a great writer. Which is why English was my favorite subject. As we all know words can be powerful. That's how I looked at writing. Soon I began to draw and paint. I just really enjoyed it on my free time. It was very relaxing and it allowed me to be myself creatively. Going into college I originally wanted to be an Art major but something was holding me back from applying to the program. I felt lost at one point. I'm sure a lot of freshmen can relate. I knew I wanted to do something creative but I didn't want to paint, draw etc. for the rest of my life. Don't get me wrong, I love artists I think they deserve so much more recognition in the world but I had this feeling. There was something else out there that was for me. One day I talked with my advisor and I realized that I wanted to be someone who communicates through visual aids. I'm a firm believer that communication is key to a lot of things in life. If I can explore and create different ideas and creative antiques through communication, I can create powerful messages that can inform, persuade and educate other people. A visual communicator. A director, producer etc. That's when I was directed to apply for the Visual Communication major in the journalism program at Illinois State University. Quickly, after the meeting I spent hours in my dorm applying for the major, I wrote an amazing personal statement and made an entire college plan for the program. A week later I was accepted into the major. I was told that my statement was unique and they could sense the genuine passion in it. From that moment on I knew creating, leading and effectively communicating messages through different visuals and aspects of art was something I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Since then I have self-taught myself to do makeup artistry, photography, some videography and started a youtube channel that will now be linked to a blog. I was able to create a scene in a fashion show with a group of models, help produce videos and model as well. Also, with our world becoming so digital I make it a priority to play around with different programs like photoshop or indesign. Once again it also allows me to explore my creativity and to learn knew things. Having knowledge in those programs is important and I tell myself that all the time. I didn't let my old dreams in wanting to be a meteorologist, teacher, chef or pediatrician just go out the window. I kept my options open and tried it all to see if there was more out there for me. I had a class where I was able to be a meteorologist for the semester and I realized it wasn't for me but that I more-so just enjoyed watching and learning about the weather. I haven't always been good at science and math so I knew being a doctor was out the window but I still take care of myself as a woman. Be your own doctor when you can! After working in the food industry for five years I realized being a chef wasn't my ideal career but I still watch food videos on my free time and cook for myself, boyfriend, family and friends. Lastly, I became a teacher at heart. I started my youtube channel to teach people when it comes to beauty and life. I also offer one on one sessions for my makeup services. Although they weren't for me major wise they still are a apart of me in some way. So why do I call myself a versatile artist? Not because I did a lot growing up but because I was not afraid to venture out and try new things. That has led me to my passion, to find all my skills and talents that were inside of me. You will never know your abilities and your capabilities unless you try them for yourself. I've been blessed. I continue to grow creatively everyday. Here I am sharing my story, my art and progression with everyone. This is the story and the life of a versatile artist. - Ajah Aviles |