Paintbrush in hand, Riley Greene began to transform an empty hallway into a canvas that made others stop and stare. With strokes of blues, greens and reds Riley’s mural slowly became part of her high school, Williamsburg Prep.
Even before setting her mind in pursuing a career in art, Riley Greene was developing her artistic abilities throughout her childhood days. “I remember having drawing competitions with my aunt, drawing objects, “Riley Greene recalled, “I would lose but failing helped me.”
Evelyn Mendez, a college student from Williamsburg wants to be a famous artist one day and goes by her artist alias Riley Greene. Majoring in Illustration in Fashion Institute of Technology, Riley hopes to obtain a career in art whether it be a career in advertisement, illustrating books or designing clothes.
Riley’s love for art developed during her sophomore year in Williamsburg Prep. Before then, she was undecided on what career path she wanted to take. Her high school allowed her to gain some experience. She illustrated for the school’s magazine for two years and painted a mural in the school’s hallway.
Being in a school where she draws all day, Riley likes to do non-related art work when she feels inspired. “I finished my homework at 1:00 am, so tired but I feel like I needed to draw because I hadn’t drawn all week.”Boyfriend and self-proclaimed manager, Joe Julian, encourages her to network and get her name around. “She’s a perfectionist,” he describes. Her need for perfection elongates the time she works on a piece but it also makes sure that when she is finished, she is satisfied with the final product.
In a neighborhood of artists, one must be persistent and original to stand out. Riley feels like there is no need to feel like other artists are her competition because everyone has their own style. “It all comes down to what you draw,” she said “what you may be good at another person might not.”
Although Williamsburg is a neighborhood filled with artists and creative hipsters, it didn’t have an influence on Riley’s decision to pursue art. “It’s not quiet, which is great,” Riley said referring to Williamsburg. “It’s a great environment, people can express themselves without restrictions. Riley hates the fact that Williamsburg is a divided neighborhood, the have and have-not’s. She believes that the division creates problems and tensions that are not necessary.
She is influenced by M. C. Escher. He is a famous graphic artist most famous for creating structures like his Ascending and Descending. He is able to combine art and math, making his art work precise.
The New York Foundation for the Arts wrote an article on habits that successful artists possess that aspiring artists should imitate. “Once your goals are clear and you can break them down into effective strategies, walk through them step by step in your mind,” guest writer Geoffrey Gorman writes, “This will not only help you prepare for each step along the way, but it will also guarantee arrival at your destination.”
Although pursuing a career in art can be competitive, but Riley feels that no matter what you study in college, a job when you graduate is not a sure thing. Despite her mother’s wishes of her becoming a lawyer, Riley has managed to get her family on board. “ My mom wanted me to be a lawyer, thought that art wasn’t a way to make money but I believe it all depends on a person,” Riley stated, “You make your future.”
