Tell us about your project. What inspired the idea?

I’m creating a series of illustrations to show my interpretation of the subway, [where I would watch] countless people push for the promise of tomorrow. I wondered what they did to bring them to this outlandish [city], with its countless Starbucks cafes, Halal restaurants and gorgeous, half-naked men running along the street in their newly bought Lululemon shorts. The subway is the place to get a real grasp of the people that make up the city.

There’s no doubt that the subway is full of surprises. The filthy tramp and Wall Street elite can sit side by side. The beggar and street artists reach out to the passengers together. Even the tired pigeons can take a free ride occasionally. In this way, the subway has become a big stage where you can see all the city’s secrets.

What most surprised you once you started working on the project?

I was surprised by how much I can progress through this long-term project. I’ve learned much more in creating this series of illustrations than in most other assignments. I enjoyed doing it a lot.

What was a highlight of living and studying in New York City?

There are so many great museums and galleries in the city that you can’t find in any other place. I love going to the Met and the Strand book store during my free time. I have learned so much from these two places; they always inspire me when I feel lost.

What is something you learned at SVA that you’ll always take with you?

Illustration is to draw what you love, what you see and how you feel. Finding your own style is important, but it is not everything.

Was there a teacher or course that was essential for you?

I was in Thomas Woodruff’s class for two years. He taught me how to make assignments into something I really enjoyed—and of course, all the essential illustration techniques. He made me realize what I really wanted to do. He is such a wise man that you can basically ask him anything about art and he will give you the most helpful advice.

What was your favorite piece of advice that a teacher or student shared with you?

I still remember my portfolio teacher Steve Brodner telling me, “Be pure, draw what you really are.” My thesis teacher Thomas Woodruff told me to always draw from life.

What advice do you have for next year’s students going through your program?

My advice is to cherish your time in college, draw as much as you can, and remember, always draw what you enjoy. Drawing from observations can always help. When you feel lost or out of inspiration, take a sketchbook and go out to draw what you see. The most interesting art pieces all came from life.

For this year’s SVA Alumni Scholarship Awards, 67 students were chosen from a pool of hundreds of applicants and granted scholarships worth over $52,500 for projects in such fields as design, animation, painting and photography. To see a list of the 2022 recipients, click here. For more information about applying for an Alumni Scholarship Award, click here.

To contribute to the Support the Talent campaign, you can make a donation online at sva.edu/give.

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