Hear Me Roar... I'm Headed to Africa

For months now, I have been watching promotional videos for the lion conservation program I'm doing in Zimbabwe. Every time I watch these videos, I get so emotional. Most people don't understand, but Africa is a part of me. I feel like this is my calling. Well, today is FINALLY the day... I'm leaving to go to Zimbabwe for a MONTH to be a wildlife photographer for lion conservation!! Lion populations are down to 20,000 in Africa, which is down from 200,000 in 1970 and down from what is believed to be 500,000 in the 1940s. It is one of the fastest species declines known to man.

Each time I go to Africa, I feel more and more like I'm home. There is something about Africa that I can't possibly explain, that very few people can't possibly understand until they go there. I am incredibly passionate about wildlife conservation and as a graphic designer, it impacts my designs as well.  Africa and conservation issues are a huge part of who I am. It's what has shaped me into the person I am and it continues to influence me in ways I can't imagine.  

I have made it my mission to raise awareness about the problems in Africa including but not limited to sustainable agriculture, safe drinking water, wildlife conservation, malnutrition, and education just to name a few. In each of my five, soon to be six, trips to Africa, I have worked closely with the community to help address these issues and find solutions. When I am in the States, my design work reflects my passion for the African culture. While my focus pertains to conservation awareness posters, I also design traditional African fabrics for pillows, create promotional videography, and I am currently researching conservation issues (human/animal conflict and environmental issues) as I begin to design a conservation photography book.  

It's going to be a long 32+ hour journey to get to where I'll be, but I am so excited to meet all of my fellow volunteers who share my passion for wildlife conservation. I'm not sure what my internet situation will be there, but I will try to write a blog about my time there... with pictures of course! Please keep in mind I probably won't be able to post everyday due to the internet situation, but don’t forget to check back to see if there’s a post! 

Thanks for the best 21st birthday present ever, mom... I am so incredibly lucky to have this opportunity to work with others who are passionate about these issues, and to be spending more time in Africa. Zimbabwe, here I come!


As a side note, for those of you in the Southern California area, one of my graphic design pieces is currently on view at the OC Fair. You can check out the LCAD Annual Juried Student Exhibition gallery from July 15-August 14, 2016. Address and hours below: 

OC Fair, Visual Arts Building
100 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Mondays and Tuesdays ... CLOSED
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays ... Noon to Midnight
Saturdays and Sundays ... 10am to Midnight

At the beginning of the 20th century there were a few million African elephants, but today there are around 450,000-700,000 African elephants, making them an endangered species. In 2011, over 23 tons of ivory was confiscated, which is equivalent to at least 2,500 elephants. Change needs to occur and change needs to occur now.