Andrew Peña, photo courtesy Danielle Ford (2013)

By Kristen M. Foley

As CCAD’s Annual Fund Drive kicks off, you might be wondering if anyone really notices when you make your contribution. Short answer? Yes. Long answer: The scholarships that your gift supports can be one of the most profound elements of a student’s education.

Please meet Andrew Peña, a junior Illustration major who’s also pursuing a minor in Writing.

IMAGE: When was the first time you knew you wanted to study illustration?

Andrew: I was always into drawing ever since I was little. As I got older I started thinking that I wouldn’t mind studying [art] and possibly making a career out of it. I looked into different programs and majors, but after taking illustration classes in CCAD’s summer programs, I knew for certain that this was what I wanted to do.

IMAGE: Who/what are your inspirations?

Andrew: The people who are around me who support me. I never start a project without trying to include someone I know and love.

IMAGE: What’s your favorite part about being an Illustration major?

Andrew: I love the whole process of making an illustration—from brainstorming and sketching for hours to putting the final touches on a piece. It’s always nice when you’re finally finished with something and you can’t stop admiring it, but you have to put it to the side so you can start your next best project. Also, being surrounded by a lot of really good artists here at CCAD motivates me to improve and learn from them. It’s like an endless lesson; you never stop learning!

Andrew Peña, photo courtesy of Danielle Ford (2013)

IMAGE: How did your scholarship affect your life and your education?

Andrew: It has really removed a lot of stress from my parents, who are helping fund my college career. I remember telling them about receiving my scholarship—they were overwhelmed with emotion. My mom actually began to cry while I was telling her on the phone.

IMAGE: What would you like to say to CCAD donors about the impact of their support?

Andrew: I can’t thank you enough. You’re giving dedicated students a chance to really shine and pursue their dreams. I feel blessed to have this opportunity and won’t let your support go unappreciated.

IMAGE: What excites you about your future?

Andrew: The fact that I’ll be doing what I love for work is pretty exciting. With the knowledge I’m gaining from CCAD I feel like I can take on the world. It’s a great feeling.

IMAGE: What else would you like to add?

Andrew: My experience at CCAD has been very special. It has introduced me to some awesome people and has made me grow into a better artist. Thank you to all of the professors I’ve had so far at CCAD. I’ve learned so much these past two years and can’t wait to see what else is in store.

To check out the online print version of IMAGE, click here.
To make a donation to student scholarships, click here.

First-place winner for TDAC, Evan Thomas' illustration "Past Spa"

Studio SSS, founder of the popular websites They Draw and Travel (TDAT) and They Draw and Cook (TDAC) recently announced the winners of their CCAD student competition for Illustration majors.

TDAT and TDAC were created by a brother/sister design team of Fashion Design alumna Salli Swindell (CCAD 1981) and Nate Padavick.

Swindell came to CCAD in February 2012 to lecture as part of the Visiting Artists Series. While here, she announced a competition. Students were encouraged to enter their illustrations into one or both of the sites; the top three designs would receive a cash prize.

First-place winner for TDAT, Emily Lockwood's illustration "A Climbers Guide: Red River Gorge, Kentucky"

“Not only is it a great exercise for people who enjoy drawing, but it is also a career opportunity, since we have had many professionals contact [our sites'] illustrators to do freelance work,” Swindell said during her visit.

The company received more than 70 entries for the contest and had an outside judge to choose three winners and three runners-ups. They Draw and Travel was judged by illustrator Steve Mack, who blogs regularly for Illustration Friday. Sophomore Emily Lockwood took first place, junior Jesus Walle took second, and junior Cody Hanes took third. The three runner-ups were sophomore Andrew Pena, freshman Sichong Xie, and junior Melissa Hiat.

They Cook and Draw was judged by the CEO of Flourish Agency, Inc., Christopher Ferranti, and his team. First place went to junior Evan Thomas, second place went to senior Isuri Merenchi Hewage, and third place went to senior Monica Cronin. Runner-ups were included sophomores Samuel Veirs, Alesha Williams, and Sherlann Lewandowski.

Artists from around the world have submitted their illustrated recipes and/or maps to the TDAC and TDAT sites. After receiving hundreds of submissions, the design team published their first cookbook last year, which includes illustrations from artists around the world.

They Draw and Travel winning entries can be viewed here and They Draw and Cook entries here.