Meet Diera English, a junior at Christian County High School with a deep passion for graphic design and illustration. A self-proclaimed creative soul, Diera loves transforming ordinary images into breathtaking works of art. Her creativity and enthusiasm for artistic expression are evident in everything she does, from digital painting to developing unique characters and worlds.
A Journey into Digital Illustration
Diera recalls a memorable project from her sophomore year where she was tasked with creating an original digital illustration. What made this project special was the freedom to design her own prompt and incorporate beloved characters into a complete digital painting. “It was something that meant a lot to me, and it was so much fun to create,” she shared. For Diera, projects like these highlight her passion for storytelling through illustration and concept art.
While she appreciates all forms of art, Diera is most inspired by creating entirely new characters and worlds. “I would love to fully design and flesh out a character, and then see that character in a movie, show, or game,” she explained. Her ultimate dream is to design Fortnite skins. Inspired by the game’s ever-changing item shop, Diera admires how creative and unique the designs are. “It might sound silly, but seeing my original work come to life in a game like Fortnite would be incredibly fulfilling,” she said.
Artistic Inspiration from Gaming
Diera’s interest in design extends beyond Fortnite. As a fan of Overwatch growing up, she admired the game’s intricate character designs. However, she believes there’s room for improvement and hopes to one day contribute her own ideas to enhance the game’s aesthetic. “I’d love to show them what I can do and improve the design aspect of their game,” she said confidently.
For Diera, art isn’t just about creating something visually appealing; it’s about forming connections. “Art is everywhere,” she said. “From drink labels to dog food packaging, it’s all art, and it’s really beautiful.” This universal presence of art motivates her to continue creating and sharing her vision.
Exploring Storytelling Through TSA Competitions
Diera has also demonstrated her storytelling skills through the Technology Student Association (TSA). In her freshman year, she illustrated a children’s book titled Crystal Clear, Crystal Clueless, which followed a young girl navigating her path in STEM. “She goes through science, technology, engineering, and math, trying to figure out what she wants to do, and in the end, she decides to become a STEM teacher,” Diera explained. Although the project didn’t advance to regionals, she views it as a valuable learning experience.
Since then, Diera has continued to participate in TSA competitions. She’s currently working on another children’s book, complete with concept art and dialogue. “I hope it turns out as good as it is in my head,” she shared with excitement.
A Bright Future in Design
Whether she’s illustrating children’s books, designing characters for games, or crafting stunning digital art, Diera English is a talented young artist with a promising future. Her passion for creativity, combined with her determination to improve and innovate, sets her apart as a rising talent in graphic design.
As Diera says, “I make pretty things, and people enjoy pretty things.” With her skills and drive, there’s no doubt her work will continue to captivate and inspire others.
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