I was drawing and painting as far back as I can remember; museums and galleries were an intricate part of my formative years.

A career in illustration crystallized in art school and when my work appeared on the cover of TIME while I was still a student at Rhode Island School of Design, I was hooked.

Hundreds of illustrations later, I can tell you the human face is still my favorite subject. Moody expressions, haunting eyes and character lines thrill me so much. The exploration of color and the strength of composition still motivates me. Art is like breathing; it's part of my soul.