For a period of time between high school and college I had the privilege of being an intern for Patricia van Essche. I was worried about going to college, especially since I was going into Illustration. The arts didn’t seem appreciated on a professional level by most adults I’d known up until then, so I lacked confidence when I was about to be entering the college/adult world. I began my internship in Patricia’s beautiful studio, and we wasted no time. Patricia focused on helping me develop my personal style by introducing me to different mediums such as gauche and oil paint. It was an approach of learning about myself through my art with guidance. Patricia told me about her life and her past as an art student trying to make her way through the world, and her journey to an entrepreneurial way of life. It gave me encouragement to make my own way, and to be at peace with times of self discovery and experimentation. She took me to see inspiring working artists, and to important local and historical landmarks for inspiration or to learn about local art history. Learning small habits like :setting up my area before doing any project, and learning to relax, and be patient when working helped me to feel more in control of my art. Now that I’m in college I can attest to Patricia’s knowledge of what it takes to be an artist in the modern world. I wouldn’t have the confidence I do now studying illustration without the experience from a knowledgeable working artist like Patricia.