Creativity has always been my way of making sense of the world, and over time, it has taken many forms, including crochet, digital art, and inclusive design projects. Each one has taught me something different about patience, resilience, and the power of expression.
Crochet became my first love because it gave me the joy of finishing projects, whether small accessories or more ambitious designs. I’ve created everything from granny squares and gloves to my own Pokémon ball pattern, and even a hat for my grandfather that he still wears proudly. Completing these projects has improved my skill level, helped me manage anxiety, and enabled me to connect with a supportive community. I have also explored sharing some of my patterns online, receiving positive feedback from others.
Digital art has opened up a new world of storytelling for me. Using Clip Studio Paint, I taught myself through tutorials and practice, experimenting with colour theory, anatomy, and digital techniques. My art often reflects personal meaning, like animals symbolising different stages of my life. I have completed a series of digital illustrations and received appreciation from my online audience. Even when health issues made drawing difficult, digital tools gave me the flexibility to keep going and keep growing.
The ABCs of LGBTQIA+ project was born from a desire to learn and share knowledge in a positive, accessible way. I created an illustrated alphabet that celebrates diverse identities, using pride flags and inclusive characters to spark conversations. What started as a personal learning journey grew into something bigger when others began sharing it in their own communities. It showed me how art and education together could build understanding and connections.
Across all these projects, one theme runs through: creativity is more than just making things. It's about resilience, community, and finding joy in expression. Whether I’m holding a crochet hook, a stylus, or designing inclusive resources, I’m always looking for ways to turn ideas into something meaningful.
I discovered crochet as a way to finally finish creative projects and found joy in turning a simple ball of yarn into something tangible. What started as a hobby quickly became a source of calm, focus, and community. Along the way, I’ve challenged myself with new stitches, like the invisible decrease, and even designed my own patterns, one of my proudest being a Pokémon ball. Crochet has also opened my eyes to the creative business side of the craft, from selling patterns to experimenting with designs like bags, gloves, and journal covers. While health challenges sometimes slow me down, I keep picking up my hook on good days, even if just for a few minutes. Crochet has become more than a pastime for me, it’s a way to manage anxiety, connect with others, and keep exploring new creative possibilities.
I began exploring digital art as a way to focus on positivity and challenge negative thoughts. Inspired by animals that represent different stages of my life, a cow for youth, a horse for community, and a lion for strength, I taught myself how to use Clip Studio Paint through research and tutorials. Along the way, I learned about colour theory, anatomy, and digital techniques like layers, brushes, and blending. Health challenges such as tremors and double vision made creating difficult, but digital tools gave me the flexibility to adapt and keep going. Every piece I make reflects my resilience and growth, and digital art has become a powerful way for me to express myself and manage anxiety.
When I started creating The ABC’s of LGBTQIA+, I wanted to learn more about the community and help others understand it in a simple, positive way. Using digital art, I designed characters inspired by pride flags and diverse identities, making sure to represent different genders, ethnicities, religions, and abilities. At first, I was nervous to share my work, but when my dad took the pamphlet to his workplace, it sparked real conversations about LGBTQIA+ history and rights. That moment showed me the impact art and education can have together. I also added a colouring page so others could join in creatively. This project taught me that inclusivity and creativity can make learning approachable, and I plan to keep developing it into a polished, professional version that can reach even more people.