CM: After I graduated, I took an eight-month break from making art. Senior year of college was the hardest thing I’d ever done. During that break, a journal here in Cleveland wanted to publish my work. I realized it was time to start applying for grants, residencies, and open call exhibitions. Luckily, I was selected for some of them. Since then, I’ve made a reputation for myself, and I don’t have to apply for as much. Instead, people approach me about exhibiting my work. Now I have my own studio and I’m making art full-time. It feels like I’m a real artist!