Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Dani Ayala | Illustrator

I am from Van Nuys, California and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. Being a first-generation American with parents from El Salvador, my family has always been heavily religious, and I frequented church as a kid. At the same time, I was slowly coming to terms with my queerness. Read more>>

Lok Cheang | 3D Artist

Hello everyone! I am originally from Macau, China, where I fell in love with art, animations, and movies as a kid. Upon arriving in the United States as an international student, I dedicated two years to studying Graphic Design at De Anza College in California.  Read more>>

David Dolansky | Creative Producer – MBA/MFA Candidate at Chapman University

Growing up in a small town outside Cleveland, Ohio, my childhood was relatively normal. Between asthma-induced hospital visits, diving into various sports, and hiding the trouble I got in at school, life was full of ups and downs. Read more>>

Sivan Arbel | Vocalist, Composer & Arranger

I was born and raised in a small village in Israel. Growing up, I went to a very unique elementary school, “Newe Shalom” where Muslims, Jews and Christians studied together. Side by side.  Read more>>

Julie Umberger | Analog Collage Artist

I’m from Valdosta, Georgia, a small town on the FL/GA border that cared a lot about high school football and very little about art. I sat at the kitchen table with magazine and greeting card scraps and created world out of paper, ribbons, rocks and whatever pieces I was allowed to hot glue together.  Read more>>