2. Comics are art. They are also literature.

Any person who had the time and passion to read comics can tell
you they are one of the most illustrative and narrative art forms. Combined with speech they are literally visual
novel. They have the story. They have the visuals. If you consider movies a form of art, then comics definitely
are as well.

Art as form and function has been elevated and reduced with cultural influence by individuals and groups since
its conception. Value is placed on it through a wide verity of contexts. Intent, rarity, class, culture, society,
innovation, gender, race, workload, risk; any number of seemingly arbitrary elements play their part or are
sighted to assess and advocate worthiness. Comics mocked the absurdity of it all and have helped influence
and shepherd the Art world from the grasps of centralized clenches of cultural powers. Returning it to an open
sourced cultural utility. Comics work is just beginning, as it is in the first act of its 2nd Golden Age. Comics are
Art at any moment from conception to consumption, as long as one person values it’s artistic utility. This is the
real power and purpose of art. Validity is a frail search for stability in a stagnant view. Comics are about turning
the page.

1. I received my art degree nearly 20 years ago at an art institute, focusing on various forms of painting. I also
pursued a graduate degree in secondary education, which was also focused on teaching art in a classroom
setting. Before applying to your school, I have also taught art classes at the community center for the past few
years.

I picked up art as a child, and took every elective available in high school. After working as a freelance artist
right after school, I was offered a scholarship to an art institute and jumped at the chance. While I was there, I
had an internship at the local high school that made me passionate about teaching art to young people. Once I
finished art school, I looked into what credentials would be required to teach high schoolers, and decided to
continue my education. As I’ve continued developing my own craft, I’ve tried to teach others in any way I can –
I believe it’s important to train the next generation of artists.

I have focused my education in art, and my career in teaching others how to create and appreciate their own
art. I believe that giving others the means to express themselves is essential, and I would love to inspire others
to create art of their own – maybe even to pursue an art career someday. Even if I can simply show students
that there is more to their school experience than math tests and term papers, that may help them out in ways
that will pay dividends down the road.

Don’t Be Afraid of Taking Risks. Loosen up. If you never try something new and exciting, you will never be able
to improve your teaching skills. Stepping outside of your comfort zone can be scary, but with great risk comes
great rewards. Take a lesson from Thomas Edison when he said, “I didn’t fail...I just found 2000 ways NOT to
make a lightbulb!”