I've lived in most of the San Joaquin Valley of California. I was born in Turlock, lived on a grain ranch in Balico, moved as far north as a little town called Salida and as far south as Riverside and Perris while stationed at March Air Force Base. I'd have to say that my hometown was Bakersfield, Arvin more specifically.

I began to draw at age 5-6, seriously at about age 9-10. By the time I was 16, I was a committed artist… meaning dedicated, not crazy. From the moment I understood that I would have to choose an occupation, I knew without doubt that I would become an artist. I had no idea what that would actually involve, but it was never a debatable topic.

Throughout elementary and high school I won local awards for artistic ability and for achievement. Most of the awards were of little importance in the art world, but in my world they were enough to keep me pointed in my desired direction.

Along the way I've had mentors, supporters, excellent motivators, teachers and professors who all continued to urge me onward. I entered the art field as quickly as life would allow, and having spent my life making art on a daily basis I set a personal goal of book illustration, primarily childrens books.

I've worked as a production artist, and graphic designer for more than years than common sense will allow me to divulge, doing a lot of work in print shops, gaining pre-press and production experience and had the chance to do a moderate amount of illustration along the way. Still, while doing all of those years of "grunt work" the idea of books was always somewhere in the back of my mind.

The best and funniest comment I have ever received in regards to my skills? "That kid could draw a pickle and make it look sour."