SAN JOSE, CALIF. — Jovanna Palacios, a Silver Creek High School Senior, shares her experience and challenges of making art while also in school. 

“As a child, I loved seeing all the wonderful artwork people were capable of, and I fell in love with coloring and drawing all the time!” she exclaimed. Ever since then, it inspired her and led to piles and piles of sketchbooks over the years. “It wasn’t easy at first but as I continued to learn and practice my art skills more, it became second nature to me,” she confessed.

Although school placed a wedge between her hobbies she still manages time out of her day to draw or even doodle. “I manage my time between schoolwork and creating art by simply prioritizing my school work first and whenever I have spare time or feel inspired I’ll draw in my sketchbook,” Palacios says. Palacios is taking an art class, which has allowed her more time to do what she loves. Managing your time is a key factor in doing the things you love and getting work done. 

Art plays a vital role in Palacios’s life, “it’s a part of me, it expresses who I am in all ways,” she states.  Drawing allows Palacios to express her creativity and challenges her to explore new ideas and styles. Palacios is interested in getting a career in the art field, she is determined to take the opportunities that come her way and pursue her passion for art. She is willing to take a chance to major in something that allows her to express herself and try new things. “I know that with art it will always be there no matter what.” 

Finding inspiration comes relatively easy to Palacios, “Finding inspiration isn’t as complicated as some people might think it is, well for my personal preference I think just seeing a simple photo or even content you’re seeing or hearing can give you lots of inspiration.” For Palacios, she draws what she likes or takes inspiration from. For example, Palacios gains quite an influence from small artists on Instagram to big animation studios, like Mappa or Studio Ghibli, “It really depends on your preferences,” she claims.

Palacios encourages people to express themselves with any hobby or interest in general, “With just a bit of practice and patience, you can do anything if you put your mind to it!” Making time for what you are passionate about is just as important as schoolwork. She advises you to never give up on the things you love even if you get frustrated or discouraged, the only way you’ll be able to advance is if you manage your time wisely and enjoy what you are doing.