I'm a Cumberland, MD-based visual artist specializing in anime, realism, and animal illustration. I work across traditional media (watercolor, graphite) and digital tools (Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator). I earned an Associate degree in Fine Art from the Academy of Art University and have a strong foundation in both traditional and digital media. I love creating meaningful, visually compelling artwork that connects with people. I’m eager to bring creativity, dedication, and artistic versatility to a collaborative team or freelance environment and to take on custom commissions that realize clients’ visions.

Valerie Phillips

I'm a Cumberland, MD-based visual artist specializing in anime, realism, and animal illustration. I work across traditional media (watercolor, graphite) and digital tools (Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator). I earned an Associate degree in Fine Art from the Academy of Art University and have a strong foundation in both traditional and digital media. I love creating meaningful, visually compelling artwork that connects with people. I’m eager to bring creativity, dedication, and artistic versatility to a collaborative team or freelance environment and to take on custom commissions that realize clients’ visions.

Available to hire

I’m a Cumberland, MD-based visual artist specializing in anime, realism, and animal illustration. I work across traditional media (watercolor, graphite) and digital tools (Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator). I earned an Associate degree in Fine Art from the Academy of Art University and have a strong foundation in both traditional and digital media.

I love creating meaningful, visually compelling artwork that connects with people. I’m eager to bring creativity, dedication, and artistic versatility to a collaborative team or freelance environment and to take on custom commissions that realize clients’ visions.

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Language

English
Advanced

Work Experience

Add your work experience history here.

Education

Associate degree at Academy of Art University
June 1, 2020 - May 26, 2025
Associate degree in Fine Art at Academy of Art University
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025
Associate degree in Fine Art at Academy of Art University
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025
Associate degree in Fine Art at Academy of Art University
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025

Qualifications

Associates degree of Fine Arts, emphasis of drawing and painting
June 20, 2020 - May 26, 2025
During my Associate of Fine Arts program, I gained experience in a variety of traditional and digital techniques, including charcoal and graphite drawing, gouache and oil painting, clay sculpture, anatomy, and digital illustration with Photoshop. Along with extra courses like Art History as well. This training helped me build strong foundations in color, composition, and storytelling, which I bring into every piece I create.

Industry Experience

Other, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education
    “Prince Ascends”, Oil Painting Final Project
    This oil painting was created as a memoriam piece for my cat, Prince, who passed away at 14 years old. It features a rainbow-colored cat floating in space, gently touching a cascading rainbow waterfall that pours from a glowing blue triangle. The triangle represents transition, while the cosmic setting reflects the sense of peace and mystery I felt after his passing. Painted as a final assignment in my oil painting class for my Associate of Fine Arts degree, this piece combines surreal imagery with personal symbolism to explore grief, color, and how much I loved him. OilPainting FineArt ArtMemorial PetLossArt CatPainting RainbowBridge SurrealArt EmotionalArt ArtWithMeaning ArtStudent ArtPortfolio PaintingFinal MemoriamArt PetGrief TraditionalArt SpaceArt RainbowArt PrinceTheCat OilOnCanvas ContemporaryPainting AssociateDegreeArt illustrator
    Charcoal Still Life study with Hello Kitty, Pikachu & Objects
    This charcoal still life focuses on exploring texture, light, and form through a playful arrangement of objects: a Hello Kitty plushie, a Pikachu figurine, a glass bottle, a book, and round glasses. The study shows how I tried to draw the contrast between soft and hard surfaces, reflections, and shadow play, while practicing value control and composition skills. Created as part of my charcoal still life class for my Associate of Fine Arts degree, this piece blends classical drawing techniques with whimsical subject matter. CharcoalDrawing StillLife StillLifeDrawing FineArt ArtStudy CharcoalArt ArtEducation AssociateDegree TraditionalArt DrawingPractice HelloKitty Pikachu ArtistOnInstagram ArtPortfolio ArtStudent TextureStudy ValueStudy ArtComposition FigurativeArt illustrator
    Riju-Tears of the Kingdom
    A digital painting of Riju, the powerful Gerudo chief from Tears of the Kingdom. I wanted to highlight her storm-charged presence and royal energy while staying true to her fierce, elegant design. Created in Procreate with a focus on dynamic lighting and bold desert tones. This piece blends my love for fantasy, character-driven art, and expressive color work. Thanks for viewing, feedback is always welcome! TearsOfTheKingdom LegendOfZelda TOTK ZeldaFanArt Riju Gerudo NintendoFanArt FanArt DigitalArt CharacterArt FantasyArt Procreate ArtistsOnInstagram Illustration StormQueen ZeldaGirls DesertVibes VideoGameArt illustrator