![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
How to draw: Carl and Ellie from “Up”
In these troubling times, we all need a way to relax and take a break from the world. Drawing can help us alleviate the feelings of stress or confusion in our current situation, and everyone can create their own connection with their artworks. No expertise is required at all; it’s easy to explore our creativity and discover a new hobby!
In this video, I’ll be drawing Carl and Ellie from the Disney movie “Up”. Feel free to press pause whenever you need a little more time to finish a few lines; go at your own pace, and draw in a way that feels right to you. Below you’ll find a Q&A with some of the questions answered in the video, as well as a few more extra pieces of advice. If you don’t feel like drawing or you still want to explore the world of animation, there is also a list of animated movie recommendations that are perfect for watching during quarantine!
What materials would you encourage for people starting off in drawing?
For this particular tutorial, any type of pen or pencil will work! I’m using a Blackwing pencil because the lead is darker and smoother, so it’s easier to draw accurate lines. However, you can use whatever you have at hand; contrary to popular belief, you actually don’t need expensive or fancy materials in order to create beautiful drawings! If you just keep practicing, I guarantee that your skills will develop naturally.
What would you recommend as a source of inspiration to draw?
Animated movies and cartoons are definitely an amazing resource; not only are they fun to draw, but they are usually much simpler than live-action characters and also much easier to draw! Of course, anything that you find in your everyday life can also act as inspiration; whenever something catches your eye or brings you joy, you can definitely use it as motivation to start a drawing.
How would you encourage people to pick up a drawing hobby during quarantine?
Drawing from references is definitely a great way to start practicing how to draw. Choosing simple images, such as Mickey Mouse, can help develop your skills quickly, and practicing often certainly helps too. At the end of the day, you should be drawing what you want to draw. Pick characters or images that you love! Drawing from imagination is also a fun way to be creative, and the best part is that there are no rules or limits to what you can create.
Michelle Liu (12) is the co-editor-in-chief of The Winged Post. She joined the journalism program in her sophomore year as a reporter and became the Winged...