Chelsea Shultis (Class of 2018)
Blogger Role: Illustration
Major: Illustration
Minor: Art History
I chose Marywood because I’m from New York and not many schools offer illustration other than schools in NYC. But, once I actually visited Marywood for the first time I really fell in love with the atmosphere on campus and the close knit community. The campus is also small yet really beautiful and the art building is amazing as well. Another plus is that Marywood is only 2 hours from my hometown, so it’s not too close, but also not too far from home.
I am majoring in Art because I’m really not sure what else I would major in. Art is one of the things that I enjoy the most in life and I’ve loved it since I can remember. Some of my first memories are of myself just sitting at the kitchen table for hours with my crayons trying to figure out what to draw next.
When I’m not in class, I’m creating art whether it is for a school project or fun, working in the art galleries, studying in my room, or just hanging out with friends.
My favorite class was Digital Illustration which is kind of ironic. In the past, I wasn’t a huge fan of computer art, but since coming to Marywood I have come to really enjoy it. In Digital Illustration, I love how I’ve been able to use my hand to draw traditionally but also translate that by using the computer to add color and different texture to my drawings. I’ve also really enjoyed my art history classes as well. Art history has pushed me to experience art and think about art in different ways that I didn’t know were possible. I also just find art history very interesting and inspiring.
The coolest thing I’ve done so far was just trying new things. In high school I really liked to draw and paint and didn’t push myself to come out of my comfort zone. After coming to Marywood, I’ve really been able to focus on art and try different mediums like sculpture and collage.
When I graduate I would love to illustrate children’s books for a living. It has always been a dream of mine to illustrate stories and bring them to life. I am definitely open to other jobs though. If a position with storyboarding, greeting cards, or graphic novels came up, I would be happy with any of those jobs too.
I’d recommend the Art program at Marywood because there are great variety of art majors and opportunities on campus. The professors here are also very knowledgeable, helpful, and seem to really care about their students. Along with that, the atmosphere makes me want to become a better artist and push my creativity further and widen my skills
