My name is Candi; I am a self-taught artist.  Art allows me to create a world we all want to see – one of hope. My favorite medium is drawing, whether by hand or digitally, but I enjoy other art forms such as storytelling, clay, sewing, videography, photography, movie make-up and more. I am also involved in collaborations (see my Webtoons page).

 

Anime inspires a lot of what I do. The well-rounded, lovable characters enthrall me, as well as the worlds other artists create; this inspires me to create worlds, characters, and designs of my own. Fans of Anime know, the stories include everything from life struggles to comedy, fantasy and magical worlds, to relatable places and situations. Most important, Anime characters have deep and meaningful personalities that draw you in and can tug on your heartstrings; sometimes, they can fill you with hope and inspiration.    

    

Art impacts me on different levels.  My main objective is to create fun and happy worlds, but occasionally I delve into more profound things. Drawing allows me to express thoughts and understand the world around me. In a way, art is like keeping a journal where you can vent or develop characters, situations, or worlds that help you. For me, drawing enhances my mental health; it not only helps me unwind, relax, or calm down when anxious, but it also helps me cope with things like depression, loneliness, or sadness.

 

But it isn’t all about me. Nothing brings greater satisfaction than to know someone has been positively impacted by my art but I hope to do more. Did you know, *approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. (46.6 million) experience mental illness in a given year? Did you also know *more than 90% of those who die by suicide (which is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.) show symptoms of a mental health condition?

 

I had to do something. It starts small.

 

If you landed on my page, first I want to assure you; you aren't alone.  What you see is more than products or fun designs. Each creation has been carefully considered and created to inspire compassion and empathy for those who struggle with mental health and to also be a positive force in reducing the stigma of mental health, so those who need it, will reach out for help.

 

Whether you, or someone you love is struggling, I hope my designs can, at the very least, help open the door to a conversation you may have been meaning to have. I hope you will be empowered to say what may be difficult to express in words.  We have to change the world somehow.

 

Only TOGETHER, can WE build a world of hope and it might just start with what you wear.

 

Citation: National Alliance on Mental Health*