With every steady stroke of the pencil and every movement of her hand a sketch begins to bloom. A blanket of black ink is laid upon the once finely drawn sketch transforming it to a finalized image that was once just an idea. Opening Adobe Illustrator, Junior Jessica Prim begins to break down the barriers between technology and fine art.

Prim works as a graphic designer for Bronson Ko, a martial arts academy creating logos and advertising. Master Yun S. Ko previously taught Prim while the family attended classes and she said Ko started talking to her about design, then he offered her a job as the graphic designer.

“I like the experience and even though my boss is opinionated, he knows a lot and I am so grateful he has taken me under his wing and gave me a chance,” Prim said. “So the work is not as in depth as a professional [would do], but it is experience and at the end of the day. That is all that matters right now.”

Prim said she wants to continue with this in the future with her own small business creating art for charities and foundations about real world issues, she said she would like to travel to different places and see what others are seeing.

Art has always been a part of Prim’s life. Through graphic design, Prim exercises her artistic ability while using technology.

“I have always been involved in art as a kid, I would draw all over walls and furniture, but this is the first year I have taken it to a much higher level,” Prim said. “I am serious about [this] in my future. I am a bit late in the game though, I look at the kids in school involved in art class, and I am shocked by how talented people are. [Sometimes] I think, ‘why am I even trying to do this?’, but it would be a major regret if I did not try and go as far as could possibly go with it.”

During the summer Prim plans on travelling to Britain to meet with college students involved in graphic design. She said she has been in contact with a student at the University of Brighton, who has been giving her feedback and helping with her portfolio.

“I like the freedom and [being able] to make a message,” Prim said. “I see everything as a positive. Having the opportunity to learn how to use certain tools is incredible. I count my blessings everyday.”