ONE TIME I wrote a letter to the artist James Victore. I was a college design student who had spent a few months idolizing his approach to work, creativity, and life. He agreeably welcomed me to meet his team, so I drove for fourteen hours until reaching the east coast. I parked in midtown Manhattan and took the B train to his space in Williamsburg a day later.

“Nobody is going to ask you to do anything,” he promised me, and explained that initiative and a headstrong attitude would be the foundation of my work. He told me to chase down opportunities and follow my spirit wherever possible.

TWO TIMES that same summer, I chose to jump out of airplanes flying 13,000 feet above solid ground, placing all of my faith in parachutes and tall strangers strapped to my back. Skydiving made for lifelong memories and really changed me.

ONE TIME I wanted to move to the city, so I packed my life into a 17-foot truck. I drove north on Interstate 55, hit a few potholes, and dropped my cosmic anchor in Chicago. Today, I spend my time on projects in digital content strategy, UI/UX, and writing. Visit my portfolio to see more.

LAST SUMMER I completed a crew school program and joined a racing sailboat full of people who taught me how to sail. I’ve always loved the fresh, blue water of Lake Michigan, but I never went far from shore. Now I’ve taken part in overnight distance races and buoy races every Wednesday after work. Turns out I’m still fond of the occasional wild choice all these years later. ✶

Last edited 18 July 2024.