Some people say specialization is the key to success. I believe that’s true, but I’ve always enjoyed exploring different creative paths.
At fourteen, I received my first camera, a Pentax K1000, and dreamed of becoming a National Geographic photographer. However, my father convinced me to become a graphic designer instead. It was the early nineties, and Apple had just released those colorful iMac G3s (mine was blue). My first job at an ad agency was filled with creativity and excitement. I later worked for other agencies and a magazine publisher before opening my own design studio.
A few years later, a magazine editor who read an essay I wrote about my Pentax camera encouraged me to take creative writing classes. I did—and discovered a new passion.
Eventually, life led me into education, where I found joy in teaching technology and social skills to K-12 students. That experience inspired me to earn a B.A. in English Literature from Grand Canyon University, blending my love of art, writing, and teaching. After graduating, I began editing college papers and tutoring students in writing, Photoshop, and Lightroom. As AI tools became more common, many of my writing students moved on, and my tutoring naturally shifted toward Adobe photo apps while I continued to do photo retouching for photographers.
Ironically, losing students to AI gave me the time to finish my first novel, Orbiting Hearts, hopefully the first of many. So, will I ever specialize in one thing? Maybe. But for now, I’m grateful for the creative journey that’s led me to so many skills, experiences, and inspiring people along the way.