About Natalie
Heavily inspired by anime and traditional shading techniques, I strive to translate the images I envision into artwork that allows others to fully understand and experience my ideas. As someone with dyslexia who thinks primarily in pictures, I sometimes find it challenging to convey the clarity and vibrancy of these visions through words alone. Visual art enables me to communicate more effectively and authentically.
I prefer working with digital media, as it offers a cleaner and quicker process. What many describe as a vivid imagination empowers me to visualize a wide range of dynamic scenarios and compelling moments, which I enjoy bringing to life through my work.
The Journey
She began her artistic journey 29 years ago at the age of two, drawing on the walls of her childhood home. Throughout her school years in the early 2000s, she filled notebooks and colored paper with sketches, steadily developing her talent through art classes. In middle school, she continued drawing in her notebooks during free moments and while completing assignments, further refining her skills.
It was during these formative years that she was introduced to anime. While students worked on projects, her art teacher would play episodes of series such as Naruto and Inuyasha, sparking what would become a lasting appreciation for the genre.
In high school, she attended the Arts and Humanities Small Learning Community at J.P. McCaskey High School, where she explored a wide range of art courses and deepened her passion for drawing with pencil and paper. In the summer of 2012, she enrolled in a college-level charcoal drawing course, where she discovered both her love and her talent for creating human portraits.
Although she had long been dedicated to drawing, she began pursuing coursework in Millersville University’s Bachelor of Design program at the age of 22. During this time, she developed a strong interest in digital art, studying various software programs and techniques. In 2022, encouraged by her classmates, she began working with Procreate on a tablet, further expanding her digital skill set.
While her academic path took longer than that of a traditional student, she ultimately graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor of Arts, marking a significant milestone in her artistic and professional development.
Artistic process
Natalie’s work is an intimate exploration of the intersection between digital media and contemporary emotion. Her creative journey begins with sketching on her iPad, where she captures the fleeting essence of light and movement. Through a meticulous process of layering brushes and colors, she builds depth and history on the canvas. Every stroke is guided by a deep-seated fascination with the passage of time and the beauty found in imperfection. She translates the rugged textures of memory and dreams into visual poetry, inviting the viewer into a world of layered silence and artisanal grace.
