Sophomore Emily Felstead has always had a knack for art, her friend, sophomore Parisa Soltanian said. At nine years old, she ventured into the art world when her mom first bought her a Kindle. The Kindle was just like any other, except for one thing—a sticker.
“When I saw [the sticker], I was like ‘wow.’ I want to draw like that,” Felstead said.
From there her skills took off, according to Felstead.
“[She was] doodling whenever she could, filling up sketchbooks here and there,” Soltanian said.
“My family is very supportive. It’s very nice. They kind of just let me do my own thing and buy me things I need to excel,” Felstead said.
Felstead said that her family’s support has helped her succeed, allowing her to attend a school of arts.
“I’ve attended the Gage Art Academy, and I’ve been going for four years during their summer programs,” she said.
Gage Academy of Art is a school-based programs in Seattle targeted to talented, aspiring artists. It offers summer camps for children ages six to eight years old and ages twelve to eighteen. It has camps for children with any type of artistic skill, ranging from physical arts such as painting and drawing to dancing and other musical arts.
Felstead said her media of choice is a pencil.
“I like doing pencils just because it’s like not very permanent—it’s just fun,” Felstead said.
Her sketches are filled with intricate strokes and many different layers. Felstead said her artistic abilities have changed and grown over the years. Throughout her time as an artist, according to Felstead, she has gone through many phases and change in technique in her art.
“I would only draw dragons for like six months,” Felstead said. “I don’t really know why.”
Felstead said her art has gone through rough phases, but it has gotten better over the years, and she encourages aspiring artists.
“Just do it, man,” Felstead said. “And don’t forget to practice.”
