​Do What You Enjoy

By Ryan Bernard-Amico
 
The year of 2010, fifth grade was upon me and I was eager to feel more open with my artistic side and show others what I can do. Halfway through the school year I created a piece which I had taken for granted because I thought it was just a kid like painting but I was wrong my skills had been noticed by the school of the arts. Turns out they thought my painting was great and deserved to be displayed in their school which made me feel accomplished. This gave a new perspective about my abilities and no longer did I question whether I had a gift or not. From there on I continued to get better and continued to get noticed for my work.
 
Drawing was always my passion when I was younger and I feel the love for it has grown stronger since then. The best part of being an artist is getting excellent compliments from others on my amazing work and the satisfaction of knowing I have something positive and creative to share with others. Although I feel I am talented and great at what I love, it seems that I always get criticized from someone who feels I can do better or someone that is jealous of my talents. I feel my art skills make me feel special because no one else in my family has this ability. My mother would always wonder where I got my artistic ability. Neither her nor my father were as talented. 
 
The love for drawing has given me encouragement to pursue something that I am passionate about and I see as a successful career for myself. People have always told me that my skills are great and inspirational to them. My family is mostly who I draw for like tattoos or just general design work. I plan on doing sketches for people outside of my close family and friends and show everyone what I can do. This hobby has influenced me to be more creative and adventurous and I feel like this would make my name known by many. 
 
I hope that my story is inspirational to other teens out there looking to pursue their dreams even if you just like doing it and it's doing something you enjoy. Interest is what can help you succeed or to help feel more open with yourself. Drawing has really influenced my life and gave me an interest in something great and a career that could last me a lifetime.