Crayon Chronicles: My early memories of Art and Illustration

Some of my earliest memories are filled with colour and sometimes scribbles outside the lines, suns always tucked into the corners of pages, houses built from squares and triangles, and stick figures, of course. It was the classic childhood art style, the kind nearly every child dabbles in, but for me, it was more than just kindergarten crafts.

As a child, I often sat beside my father, trying to mimic his architectural plans. I didn’t understand what I was doing, I just knew I loved the art. It was all triangles and squares (Like I said, classic childhood styles. My little brain might as well have been holding up a big sign that said, 'Hire me!'  Hahaha.. ). Even then, there was something satisfying about making shapes into something meaningful.

But the most pivotal moment in my artistic journey came at the age of six, when I was placed in art therapy. That’s where my love for art truly began. Art became my language before I even had the words to express myself. It was a space where I could process emotions I didn’t yet understand and connect with people in ways words never allowed. That experience laid the foundation for everything I do now.

Every piece I’ve created since then holds some sort of story. Some stories are loud and clear, others are more hidden, but they’re always there. That’s why I say: there’s always a story to tell. As a kid, I used to draw little stick-figure stories and hide them in the school bags and suitcases of friends and family, tiny surprises tucked into the corners of daily life. Those are the vivid memories I cherish most.

Now, I get to pass those moments on. When I sit and draw with the littlest members of my family, I’m taken right back to those early years. They often ask me questions and always give me a boost of confidence, seeing how happy they get when I share those moments with them. It’s nostalgic, beautiful, and a reminder of how deeply those simple drawings have shaped me.

My favorite artist, although it’s a bit of a cliché, is Vincent van Gogh. Vincent's Starry Night holds a special place in my heart. I’ve always connected that artwork to my childhood, especially to a moment when a loved one told me, “Always look up at the stars when things get tough or when you miss someone who’s no longer here.”  That message stuck with me. Every time I see that swirling night sky, I feel comforted, like that piece of art is speaking directly to my younger self.

In high school, everything changed again when I discovered pen art. My first pen-based project introduced me to the power of black and white. Since then, monochrome has been my go-to style. There’s something striking about traditional black-and-white art; it demands attention, evokes emotion, and often speaks louder than a full-colour piece ever could. While colour psychology plays a big role in how we interpret visuals, I believe monochrome forces you to slow down and look deeper.

My first pen art project from my high school art class

Looking back, those childhood moments were foundational. They shaped the way I see the world, the way I process it, and most importantly, the way I express it. That’s why, after all these years, I still love to create and share those moments with others.

What Are Your Earliest Art Memories?

Art has a way of connecting us, no matter where we started. If this post sparked a memory or made you smile, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out through my contact page or connect with me on social media. Whether it’s stick figures, starry skies, or stories told through scribbles, there’s always a story to tell.