Ryan Callihan, junior, Lakewood High Center for Advanced Technologies

I remember when I used to have a MySpace page, and editing pictures was all people used to do; that’s probably where it all began. I used to have a little friendly competition with one of my friends to see who could make the better design. Then, last year, my uncle introduced me to Photoshop CS5, and I understood it pretty much instantly. I’ve made a lot of progress.

I feel like the only way to express yourself is to do so outwardly. To me, wearing clothes that you like just doesn’t cut it. It makes more sense to turn your expressions into something physical that will last a lot longer than your favorite shirt. Making art is the only way that I really know how to express myself without being looked at funny. On top of that, it’s a serious stress reliever — whenever I don’t get my Pre Calc homework, I open Photoshop CS5.

My inspiration comes from multiple places. One day, maybe I’ll sit down and make a sign, and other days I’ll take all day to actually make a picture. Everything depends on how I’m feeling, and what I’m doing at the time. For that reason, most of the time my work is abstract. There’s also a website that I use for inspiration (abduzeedo.com) that has a ton of resources that I use on a daily basis. Other times, I’ll see something on the Internet that’s really cool; then I’ll try to remake it. Usually, I’ll be greatly disappointed with the outcome, so I take what I have and try to turn it into something entirely different. That’s when my work comes out best. Photoshop CS5 sparked my decision to become a graphic designer.

--As told to Tyler Hall Holcombe, Lakewood High

*On Exhibit features high school artists from the Tampa Bay area. Go to tb-two.com to see more work. If you know a high school student we should consider spotlighting (including yourself), please send the name, school, art medium and contact information to tbtwostaff@gmail.com. Put “on exhibit” in the subject line.