Story Time!

Origins of an Artist

I began my journey in art at a very young age. My first memory of drawing was while I was watching 'Karate Kid' on cable TV. As the movie played, I sat on the carpet in front of the TV and drew Mr. Miyagi. My mom was amazed by my drawing skills and praised my work, which gave me the idea that I was on to something special. 

During elementary school, I started selling my drawings to other kids during lunchtime. However, the principal at my school shut down my business, and it came to an end. But even after that, I always carried a drawing pad and pencil with me wherever I went, be it camping, grocery shopping, visiting relatives, or seeing the dentist. 

After completing high school, I left San Francisco/Bay area to pursue my career in art in Los Angeles. But to make ends meet, I worked retail jobs while attending college. Over time, my retail job became more important than art, and I lost sight of my career aspirations.

I enjoyed my retail life and appreciated the life experiences I gained from it, but I knew that if I didn't take a leap of faith to pursue my dream of becoming an artist, it would be my life's biggest regret. It was my wife who reignited my passion for art and gave me the confidence to pursue it as a career.

From those rekindled dreams, I established my online shop, got the opportunity to produce a movie poster, and ultimately left my retail career to do what I loved since childhood. 

I still carry my drawing pad and pen with me wherever I go (except when buying ramen or groceries), always eager to sketch down the next idea that comes to mind. When not working, I connect with local communities, family, and friends throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and participate in fundraising events with my wife. I also spend a good amount of time with my daughter, who inspires me to be better every day.