I grew up in a family consisting of artists. I've been in love with exhibiting my creativity since I was a child, drawing and painting my favorite characters at any given opportunity. My teachers would complain to my parents about doodling in class and even had to take my sketchbook away at times. That was when I realized art was something that gave me passion and purpose. In Japan, there is a term known as "ikigai," meaning, "one's reason for being." Truly, I think the freedom to express my creativity was my ikigai. However, growing up, I let my fears get to the best of me and was afraid that a career in art would be an unfruitful career. I spent years in jobs that I did not enjoy in sought of having a job that I thought would make my parents and me proud. Now, I realize that after all these years, my love for art has never wavered. I take every opportunity I can to incorporate my creativity into projects and want to finally pursue a career I truly enjoy, and I believe that to be in design and illustration.