I have been
drawing and whatnot since as long as I can remember. Any spot in my
school notebooks that didn't have notes were filled with
sketches. I drew mostly from the D&D
adventures that my brother ran, as well as the fantasy books I
was reading. I did a few pieces based on Terry Brooks'
Shannara series, but focusing on being a nerd, I didn't have
much time for art in high school.
When I got
to college I dual majored in Computer Science and Art
History. I minored in Studio Art, and took as many art
classes as my schedule allowed. I seemed to be pursuing
a career in art or art education, but decided to try graduate
school in Computer Science. I graduated in 2004 with a
Master's in CS, but again switched paths and returned to my
art interests. Mike, my brother, and I co-own Aradani Studios, a costuming and art company that we founded in 2002. We travel mostly in the Southeast United States, to various conventions and Renaissance Festivals, selling our art, and our ears.
I currently call Nashville, TN my home, and don't see that changing for quite some time. This is where my friends, my family, and my career is. When I first posted this bio, I said that, "I still have no idea what I
want to do with my life." Well, in those 4 years that I wrote that, I think I have found my calling. At the age of 26, I won the most prestigious fantasy art award there is, the Chesley Award. Mike and I have slowly but steadily grown this business into something that now employees other people! And most importantly, I love what I do, and I truly enojy being able to talk about my art with people, and have a dialogue with them.
And I owe all of this to my brother. Without him, I don't know where I would be today, but it wouldn't be here. And I hope he always remembers that I am grateful to him.
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