rhythm of panels, the tension between text and image, and the use of negative space all become tools for articulating experiences that are often marginalized or misrepresented. Growing up the only way I could see someone like me was through art. The graphic novel Wandering Son by Takako Shimura was the first time I felt seen as more than a joke or a monster. I want to continue creating art that helps people just like Wandering Son helped me. Because everyone deserves to feel seen.

 

I do most of my comic work in Clip Studio Paint, but my process starts in my sketchbook. The story will come to me naturally after getting to know the characters. During this process, I write and draw freely, even if that means taking the story in a different direction than I initially envisioned. From there, I draw the main characters and environments. I try to think about what the audience needs to understand about them. At this point, I’m ready to start illustrating the story in Clip Studio.

 

Beyond comics, I experiment with the intersections of sequential art, interactive media, and visual effects. I am particularly interested in how comics can expand into game design and immersive digital experiences, challenging the boundaries between reader and participant. Additionally, I’ve displayed gouache work in galleries.

 

I believe that the more specific a story, the more broadly relatable it becomes. While much of my art is about my specific experiences as a transgender woman, I believe my stories are relatable to all women. This is because we all go through the same things, just in different ways. ​In the future, I’d like to work in the arts full-time. I am interested in storyboarding, visual development, and publishing. I will remain active in the indie comics scene by selling at zine-fests and fostering an online presence. I’m passionate about queer youth activism and will continue working with nonprofits that align with my values to better my community.