Even though college was a great experience and it got me out of the retail world and into a graphics-related career, I feel that most of my actual drawing skills have been self-taught. I've always known that I could draw, but I don't think I really tried to push myself or improve as an artist until recent years, and as a result I think I'm a much better illustrator today than I was even a year ago. It took me awhile to realize that in order to grow as an artist, I have to evolve and open myself to new ideas, techniques and challenges.