You might recognize Amelia Garvin’s work if you’ve been checking in for our fiction and poetry publications over the past few months. She created striking illustrations to accompany our series of pieces related to the theme of high school by writers like Megan Jones, Matthew Walsh, and Sarah Ens. Garvin’s paintings were recently exhibited at Untitled Art Space and Robert Lynds Gallery. This week, she answered questions by Kyla Jamieson about creating art, gathering inspiration, and translating fiction and poetry into illustrations. This is the first of a two-part series.

For more by Amelia Garvin, follow her on Instagram @ameliagarvin or check out her website ameliagarvin.com.