Michael Parrilla Appreciating the Artistic Spirit

I associate the Art Students League with artistic history and quality. This was always apparent to me, even when I was a young student taking classes to prepare my high school portfolio. I would like to return to the League to further develop my artistic capabilities. This time, I hope to focus on growing my college portfolio.

“As I continue to prosper as an artist, I hope to progress by keeping these artistic influences with me and remaining connected to my educational background.”

I am looking for the League’s classes to help me develop a body of work that will qualify me for the schools I want to apply to. My dream is to be a writer and illustrator when I am older. This dream is the reason I have attended the League in the past and why I currently go to Art & Design High School. Education is important to me; I hope to continue to choose learning environments that will allow me to grow my artistic practice.

During my studies, I have spent time appreciating the work of artists as diverse as Moebius, Kentaro Miura, Neal Adams, Titian, and Winsor McCay, among others. These choices may seem a bit scattered, but each of these artists uses their imagination and ability to create fantastical glimpses into other worlds. Their influence allows me to deeply appreciate the artistic spirit. As I continue to prosper as an artist, I hope to progress by keeping these artistic influences with me and remaining connected to my educational background. The League has helped me grow in the past, and I hope that with this scholarship I can continue to hone my skills.