Junior Yadhira Martinez paints the world the way she sees it, from an artist’s perspective. A member of Center Hill High School’s Art Society, Martinez has been a Mustang since elementary school. She, like many others in the club, embodies the importance of art in school.

From creating visually stunning media like animated movies and video games to designing engineering marvels as architects, artists hold a special place in society, and their dedication to the craft can paint a beautiful story. To Martinez, a good artist is someone who is detail-oriented.

“I would say it just depends on how detailed the art you make is,” she explained.

But, Martinez reminded, skill does not equal artistry.

“It’s good to show people your art, but you should never look down on people who can’t draw as well as you can. You do not have to be talented to be an artist.”

Artists have to start somewhere and build their skills over time, and Martinez was no different.

“I started the same as any other child, drawing these horrible shaped people and animals,” she said. “It’s just the patience and practice that you need to become an artist.”

Persistence, as well, noted Martinez. Like with any sport or hobby, artists can become rusty without practice.

“I once stopped drawing for a good five years,” recalled Martinez, “and when I resumed, my art was just as bad as when I left off. Practice and documentation of your progress is key to getting better at drawing.”

After high school, Martinez plans to go to university, but she’s not sure where she’ll go from there. “I’m still undecided on the school and what I’m going to study,” she explained.

That’s fine, maybe she’ll be the next Leonardo da Vinci.