Empathy has always been at the heart of my journey. It’s the driving force that compels me to give back to my community, fostering connections and making a positive impact wherever I can. Through various avenues, I’ve had the privilege of channeling my passion for design and creativity into meaningful initiatives that not only enhance my skills but also create a ripple effect of support and inspiration. Below, I invite you to explore how my commitment to empathy has manifested in my involvement in diverse community-based endeavors:
I’ve had the distinct privilege of holding multiple roles within the Pencil Mileage Club (Animation/Illustration/Visual Arts club) at Cal State Fullerton, serving as President, Event Coordinator Specialist, and Historian. In the photo, that’s me in the front on the right, actively engaged in facilitating a meeting for our dedicated members. I’ve witness firsthand, the transformative power of art and its ability to bring people together.
During my time as an officer of the PMC at CSUF we hosted speaker events with industry pros, toured studios, planned gallery exhibits, hosted social events, and more. These experiences allowed me to foster a creative hub where fellow students could learn, grow, and connect with industry experts.
My time with the PMC was some of the most fulfilling work I’ve completed in my lifetime.
Beyond the PMC, I also helped with events like stop motion jams, volunteered at film festivals, and helped with CTNx (an animation networking convention).
I was the volunteer coordinator for this Nickelodeon gallery event at CSUF.
During my final semester at CSUF, I hosted my own solo exhibition displaying 28 pieces and had a few more pieces displayed in a handful of other student art shows.
Following my graduation, I embarked on a creative journey by launching my own small business. I began showcasing and selling my artwork online via Etsy, while also participating in a variety of tabling events. Along this artistic path, I had the delightful opportunity to connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts, forming lasting connections and fostering a shared passion for creating.
Building upon the achievements of my Etsy shop, I expanded my horizons to the world of YouTube. Here, I dedicated my efforts to assisting beginner Etsy sellers in navigating their own artistic journeys. One of my videos, in particular, brought in a remarkable 275,000 views, resonating with and providing valuable guidance to a thriving community of creative entrepreneurs.
As I continued to craft more artwork and evolve within Etsy, I ventured into the realm of Twitch streaming. Through this platform, I had the privilege of connecting with a diverse audience spanning the globe, sharing my creative process and fostering a vibrant community of fellow artists and art enthusiasts.
Over the years as I worked in the corporate world, I still strive to connect with others through creation, design, and whatever special interest pops up into my head. During the pandemic, I took the opportunity to document and share my creative journey into the world of sewing, quilting, and various other crafty projects, inviting others to join me on this artistic adventure.
Moving to Washington state has been a transformative experience, offering me the chance to rekindle my connection with nature—an incredible source of inspiration. I frequently seek out opportunities to contribute to the community, including participating in landscape maintenance efforts at our local state park, where I’ve played a small part in preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings.
K.R.Sexton 