Education

In Jr. High, I started selling my art to classmates. I was also introduced to comic books. I wasn't the best student, but in comics I found new possibilities. I developed a passion for reading and an appreciation for the art. I wanted to become a comic artist.

            I soon decided to go to Kirkman Technical High School. This school offered Commercial Art, which was a bit different from regular Art classes. Instead of drawing, it involved arranging text, images, and conceptualization. I was intrigued by it, because most grade school art classes were very basic and, quite honestly, I found them to be, well,…boring.

            I continued Commercial Art throughout High School (at Howard School of Academics at Technology) and was blessed to meet Lee Arthur Conner. He became a friend and mentor. He saw my gift and encouraged me to explore the Graphic Design field. It wasn't drawing comics, but it captured me!  I decided that would be the field I would chose for college. So, I continued my education in Advertising Art.

            At Chattanooga State Technical Community College, I met Alan Wallace.  At the time, I thought he was brutal and gave students a hard time for no reason, but in reality he was conditioning us all for the brutality of client critiques. Just as I thought I had it all figured out… they hired Jeff Morris, whom Mr. Wallace warned would be harder on us than he ever was... Boy, was he right!