Feature: Katie Presnell, the model modern artist
Katie Presnell is a sophomore studio and digital art major who enjoys creating art in a non-traditional way.
“Using Procreate on my iPad, I look at what other creators make and draw inspiration from that as well as my friends, family and what’s going on in my life. I always go with whatever feels right in the moment.”
Presnell gathers most of her artistic inspiration from creators she follows on social media. She included Instagram creators @makugwapu and @_gexu amongst others as artists she gathers inspiration from.
Presnell enjoys creating her own stories and scripts and then storyboarding them. “I like creating my own characters and settings and adding art to that.”
As a studio and digital art major, Presnell is currently taking courses in 2D graphics and drawing, among other general education courses. She plans to go into an animation studio and eventually become a showrunner. “I would like to go into animation for studios such as Cartoon Network or Disney. Ideally, I’d like to become a showrunner, but I want to get a job being a storyboarder, which is kind of like an executive producer.”
Throughout the Etherredge building on USC Aiken’s campus, one can find art everywhere, and that plays a role in being one of Presnell’s favorite places to create. “I like creating in the Etherredge and in a Starbucks. I prefer to create in places where I don’t feel like I’m alone with my thoughts.”
Presnell enjoys the flexibility that the art program gives her in her coursework, and she gave a few recommendations for any students who are thinking about pursuing an art degree but are hesitant. “If you’re questioning it, just do it, because I wasn’t sure as well but then I thought to myself, ‘why not?’”
Presnell’s unique and delightful artwork serves as a testament to the caliber of talent that resides at USC Aiken. Do not deprive yourself of great ideas brought to life by our fellow classmates and indulge in great art, especially when it is here on campus!
