Art can be hard, but we all have to start from somewhere. So with some time and hard work, I'm happy to help you reach your goals!

Find out more about Imani

• When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  While I always found myself being creative growing up, trying different mediums from sewing to polymer clay, I didn't start seriously taking on drawing/painting until I was about 11-12. At that time, I was focused on figuring out how to draw characters for my stories, and soon enough I fell in love with the process. I haven't looked back since!

• Which artists or works affect you the most?

  So as I grow and change in my artistic practice, my influences do as well, but right now I would say:
  
  - Zac Retz, a concept artist who worked on movies like Spideverse, Puss and Boots The Last Wish, and Encanto. He has amazing colors and an energy to his work that I adore.
  
  - Nathan Fowkes, is a digital and traditional artist who has gorgeous colors and loose brushwork. He's worked on movies like Rio, The Prince of Egypt, and many more.
  
  - Sinix, because he has some very nice shape design skills that I admire, and I've learned a lot from his work.

• What are the qualities and skills required to succeed in this area?

  Outside of having a solid understanding of the fundamentals, it is so important to be able to enjoy it enough to hang in there when it gets hard.
  
  That way, even on those days when all of your drawings aren't coming out how you want them and it seems like you can't figure it out, you still have it in you to keep going. Striving for perfection might get you some amazing work, but it can mean not enjoying the creation process, as there is no perfection in art.

• What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  Focus on the why, not just doing the task. If you understand the deeper meaning behind something, it won't feel as much of a chore and instead part of a bigger goal.
  
  An example would be instead of being like, "Oh no, I gotta practice circles today," you can be like " Oh, I've gotta practice these circles so I can have better line control when drawing my characters!"

• How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  My passion for the creation process comes from a love of storytelling and a love to be able to make people think and reflect when looking at my work. I also just love playing with colors and the process of drawing, as it can be quite meditative.
  
  In terms of teaching, there is something magical and exciting about seeing someone grow, understand concepts, and improve along the way. I also enjoy the challenge of finding different ways to teach, and seeing their eyes light up when they start to get the hang of things is so rewarding. It's like yeah look at you go! I've always found myself teaching and building community in one way or another throughout my life.
  
  One of my teachers back in college would get onto me because I had a hard time saying no when it came to helping my peers and providing them with a multitude of resources. Not because it was wrong, but just because she didn't want me getting behind on my own work. She always said, "If you're gonna do my job, you should at least get paid for it!"

• What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  So initially I wanted to say exhibiting at my first gallery show or getting promoted to an art team lead for a game, as both were amazing! However, after some more thought, I'd want to say getting into my first art residency so soon out of college. While I was making art, I also got to meet so many amazing artists who were further along in their careers for 3 weeks.
  
  It gave me hope and opened up doors to opportunities I didn't know were possible. It was also my first solo journey out of state, and I took it to invest time and energy into my artistic career and had a great time doing it!

• Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  All the time! I love the moments when I explain a new concept, or show a slightly different way to do something, and the student picks it up immediately! It's even better when they start coming up with their own examples, and I can see the wheels turning in their heads. I find my heart getting warm and my smile getting bigger, because I'm so proud of them!
  
  Their excitement and love for the art process make me want to be the best I can be for them and ensure that I am always continuing to grow myself!

• Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  A big part of what I strive to do with any of my students is meet them where they are at, keep them in the loop of what we are doing and why, and create a personalized plan for everyone. While I will guide and teach them, I want them to reach their goals and enjoy what they are doing. So if one student wants a more comic book style, and another wants a more loose painterly one, they will be approached differently.
  
  Staying patient, kind, and adaptable is always key, as everyone is different. So whether I get a rambunctious kid/teen or an adult who is scared but wants to try something new, I will meet them there.
  
  When working with either kids or adults, I also create a folder or a shared PowerPoint to allow them to review the lessons and homework. These folders grow as they do over time, to not overwhelm them, and the parents can keep track of what they are working on!