I'm a current student at the Rhode Island School of Design (class of 2027), majoring in illustration with concentrations in Sustainability and Social Studies. My passion is to encourage environmental and climate healing through my work, both through illustration and hands-on research/action. I grew up in Knoxville, TN, right outside of Appalachia. My Appalachian heritage has inspired much of my work. I started creating artwork more seriously in high school, receiving credits in both AP 2D Art and IB HL Visual Art. I also trained in classical, non-competitive dance techniques (ballet, contemporary, Horton, Martha Graham, tap, jazz, etc), dancing for the local non-profit Go! Contemporary Dance Works from 2017 to 2023. I've continued to train and become inspired by movement and my environment in Providence, dancing for Synergy Dance Company and Brown Aerial Acrobatics Club (both at Brown University, right next door to RISD). I've done lots of freelance work and commissioning in high school and parts of college whenever I've had time. I've designed primarily for local events, such as advertisements, logos, banners, concept designs, etc. I'm currently writing and illustrating my book, "Teagans Totebag" (pre-k/kindergarten level), as a member of the non-profit group Fiction for Kids at Brown University, which highlights both sustainability education and LGBTQ+ representation. I hope to find a career in illustration or design along the lines of sustainability education/promotion. I'm also open to learning about and creating medical design, as both my parents work actively in the medical field as doctors (pediatrician/pathologist). I want to create work that targets multiple ages, generations, beliefs, and backgrounds combined.