How did you become a designer/artist?

Grandpa Harvey gave me my first camera in high school; it was a manual Pentax 35mm camera. He also gave me my first computer, a Commodore 64, so I thank him for getting me started. Grandpa was a photographer himself and gave me books, film, and showed me techniques to improve my photography. My first published picture was of surfing that my photo teacher saw and asked to put in the yearbook. The classes that I always excelled in and enjoyed were usually art, computer, or photography classes, yet I trudged on thinking I had to pursue a "real" career. Well it turns out "real" careers are not that great and the money isn't worth selling your soul, so I left my high paying tech job in Silicon Valley for an apprenticeship with Frans Lanting, world famous wildlife photographer. I learned a lot from him and his business and realized that with skill, stubborn determination, patience and focus you can achieve your dreams. I am still working toward that dream, wish me luck.

Where are you from originally?

Santa Cruz, California.

What are you doing now?

Hmmmm. Working temp jobs, surfing, and scheming a way to be seen by the right audience so I can do what I love full time.

What are your plans for the future?

To become established as an artist/photographer, buy a house, get married, have two kids, live the American dream.

What American artist inspires you most?

There are so many American artists that inspire me, so I don't have a specific favorite but here are some that I really like: Photographers: Albert Watson; Frans Lanting; Stephan Brown; Michael Chaisson; and Imogen Cunningham. Performers: Adam Sandler; and watching Michael Jackson dance. Painter: Mark Ryden.

What unlocks your creativity?

Talking to other artists, meditation, going some place new, staying up late, people watching, books, magazines, music, friends, love.