“Art is talent.” While some possess a natural talent for it, achieving true mastery takes skill and years of experience that one can’t acquire overnight.

“I think that [art] is a talent that you can grow better at with practice and dedication. I practiced a lot to get where I am now,” sophomore Xitlali Lujano said.

Many students develop a passion for art in their elementary school years, unaware that their artistic talents could lead them to where they are today.

“I was put in art classes since the first grade and just preferred it and directed myself that way to art,” junior Riley Harder said.

Promoting artwork can range from posting on social media to securing a commission from galleries. Lujano promotes her work throughout social media; meanwhile, sophomore Kadince Jacobs has only promoted her work through art galleries.

“I’ve thought about promoting my artwork before, I’ve also thought about opening commissions before, but it’s never come into play, mostly because I’m still working on getting better at like certain things,” Jacobs said.

Being good at art can vary when it comes to creating certain pieces, whether the artist is motivated to create or finish an art piece.

“[My artwork] varies from either a couple of hours to months because I’m very on and off with certain pieces of mine,” senior Ashlynd Norris said.

Several artists have a role model that inspires them, like a parent or sibling.

“I would have to say that my dad is my biggest influence and all my family, my great-grandpa was a painter and would paint murals in restaurants, and my dad is both, a bit of a painter,” Lujano said.

Student artists may continue to move on with their career, or they might do it as a side project throughout college, where others may be undecided. Art is a gift that one can use to have a successful career.

“I actually plan to go to art college, but as I said before, I still have things I need to work on,” Jacobs said.