people that have influenced me

This topic is a particularily broad one for myself, as I feel that it is impossible to single out one person as being the most influential on my life. We are deeply influenced by the people we grow up with, and the people we choose to be around, however, everyone that has ever taught me something or given me advice has contributed to my growth as a person. I feel that all these people that have influenced me have allowed me to learn a diverse array of lessons, and experience life in ways that have allowed me to expand my mind. I will attempt to credit them all, but for the sake of this blog, I will focus on the ones that are closest to me.

My parents are a gigantic influence on me. They taught me my first lessons and instilled in me the values that have made me into the person I am today. They preached discipline, hard work, and never giving up on your dreams. My father made it very clear that I have a dream and never let anyone stand in my way of reaching it. My coaches in hockey had similar values and further reinforced them on me through hard work and dedication. My parents also made it clear that you work hard and finish what you start.

Teachers throughout my educational career have had great influences on me as well. Consistently through the years, they preached working hard, but also being open minded and thinking for myself. My high school art teacher contributed to these influences in a large way. She helped me to think "outside of the box" and to be aware of the power that we wield as creative people. We have the ability to influence people in our society with pieces of work that cause them to see things differently, and to raise awareness towards different issues. She was always very positive, and never overly critical. I felt that this was good because as a high school student, you are trying to develop and gain confidence in you abilities as you choose a career path, and harsh criticism, while constructive, can be detremental, as it can be received the wrong way.

I feel that all the people I have been around have influenced me and have contributed to the development of my mind. As a creative person, these experiences and lessons are vital as I can bring them back to my work as a graphic designer/artist.