51±¬ÁϹÙÍø

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

Those pieces exploring the intersection of vintage fashion, whimsical storytelling, nature-inspired themes, and the unspoken, complex emotions underlying East Asian female friendships—ranging from jealousy and rivalry to romantic-like intimacy, and ultimately, selfless fulfillment.

What made you choose to come to 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø for your MFA?

I chose to come to 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø for my MFA because I was drawn to the college’s emphasis on interdisciplinary exploration and storytelling. As someone who transitioned from a background in TESOL to illustration, I was looking for a program that would not only help me refine my technical skills but also support the conceptual and narrative depth I wanted to bring into my work. 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø stood out to me for its supportive community, access to diverse faculty, and the flexibility to experiment across media. I wanted an environment where I could grow not just as an illustrator, but as a visual storyteller capable of developing my own IP and brand—something rooted in emotion, fashion, and whimsical detail.