Ferris student recognized

Graduate to fly to Hollywood for illustration work

A recent Ferris graduate is nationally recognized for the work she loves doing.

Kendall College of Art and Design graduate Kirbi Fagan will fly to Hollywood to be honored for her illustrative work with a chance to win $5,000.

Twelve winning writers and twelve illustrators from around the world will be celebrated during the 30th Annual Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards at Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, April 13.

Fagan first heard of the worldwide illustrating contest while attending an Illustration Master Class shortly after graduating with a bachelor’s in illustration in spring 2013.

“I met one of the past winners at the workshop,” Fagan said. “They recommended that my work might be fitting and that I apply right away.”

For the contest, Fagan was required to submit a portfolio she developed from her time at Kendall.

After being chosen as a finalist, Fagan was named one of the 12 international winners.

“I was asked to create an additional illustration, illustrating one of the writer’s winning stories,” Fagan said.

The illustration will be included in the annual anthology L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers and Illustrators of the Future, Volume 30.

“I felt and still do feel humbled and honored to be among a group of talented international winners,” Fagan said.

Her mother, Cori Fagan, is excited and happy about her daughter having this opportunity.

“I think it [her winning the contest] is fantastic,” Cori Fagan said. “She is the hardest worker I know and very self-motivated.”

Fagan’s former drawing professor, Anne Garavaglia, said Fagan is an example of what it takes to succeed.

“She keeps her eyes fixed on the prize,” Garavaglia said. “If she stumbles, she gets back up and keeps going. I see even greater things for her down the road; this is just a stepping stone. I hope to come work for her someday.”

Fagan said she was creative as a kid but didn’t start drawing until high school.

“Being an illustrator didn’t interest me until my second year of college,” Fagan said. “The science fiction and fantasy aspect of my work is all very new within the last year or so.”

Along with being flown to Hollywood, Fagan is looking forward to meeting new people.

“It’s not often I get out of the studio,” Fagan said. “My ears are open and I’m certain there will be much to be learned from the many pros I will be surrounded by.”

Some famous names in the writing and illustrating industry that will serve as presenters at the ceremony include Orson Scott Card, Kevin Anderson, Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, Tim Powers, Robert Sawyer, Cliff Nielsen, Larry Elmore and Steven Hickman.

The Writers of the Future writing contest was initiated by L. Ron Hubbard in 1983, and due to the success of the Writing Contest, the Illustrators of the Future Contest was created in 1988.

“The things I’m doing now I never thought I’d be doing so soon, so it’s hard to imagine where I’ll be in 10 years,” Fagan said. “I hope that my illustration work can be intertwined with my writing. I hope that I have an even deeper connection to the artwork I’m making while being surrounded by love of family and friends.”

Kirbi’s work can be found at kirbiillustrations.com.