Here at Bethel High School, the yearbook committee contributes to the overall production of the school’s annual yearbook — a process that takes time, creativity, and effort from students and staff alike. One of those students is Mackayla Patterson, a junior at Bethel High School who has made significant contributions to the yearbook, including an original art piece she specifically designed.

Mackayla has had a passion for art since she was nine years old, inspired by her uncle, who was also an artist and created comics. Witnessing his growth as an artist motivated Mackayla to start drawing, and she began by sketching characters from her favorite anime, Inuyasha.

When asked where she sees herself in the next 10 years, Mackayla says she would like to become a graphic designer — creating drawings for friends and family while also helping people build their own anime and game productions.

That goal has encouraged her to join the yearbook committee, where she has been designing artwork for the school’s annual book. She is also helping her friend Lawson, a fellow Bethel student, with the design portion of a video game he hopes to develop.

For aspiring artists who struggle with motivation or don’t know where to start, Mackayla recommends using other people’s artwork as a reference or source of inspiration — just as she did. She also stresses the importance of not undervaluing your own work, because what you create could resonate with others and open doors you never expected.