How Taryn Honors Art and Legacy

For Taryn, creativity has always been personal. Art is not just something she studies or practices. It is a way to honor her mother, who played a major role in shaping her artistic interests and whose influence continues to guide her path. 

After high school, Taryn took time to figure out her next step. She worked, explored online coursework, and learned more about what worked and what didn’t work for her as a student. During that time, her father encouraged her to consider Illinois Central College. With both of her parents having attended ICC, the college already felt familiar and supportive. 

As much as I want to do art, I also want to do art for her. Beginning exactly where she began makes ICC that much more special to me.

Taryn, ICC student

When Taryn enrolled at ICC, she knew she wanted to pursue something in the arts. After experiencing media and graphic creation in high school, she felt drawn to the hands-on process of creating both physical and digital media. Graphic Design allowed her creativity to grow while giving her space to move forward at her own pace. 

Returning to school after a two-year gap, Taryn intentionally eased back into coursework. She began with a lighter class load and gradually worked up to a fuller schedule. ICC allowed her to do that without feeling rushed or left behind. She appreciated learning the campus, building confidence, and finding a rhythm that worked for her life. 

Her design and drawing classes became the highlight of her experience. They offered creative freedom and a more relaxed environment where ideas could flow. Professor David Smit consistently encouraged her work and supported her as she planned classes and explored her next steps.  

Outside the classroom, Taryn gained hands-on experience through student work in marketing, where she learned what goes into real-world design projects. Balancing near full-time coursework, student employment, and a weekend job strengthened her time management skills and helped her grow personally. Being part of the Graphic Design program also pushed her to open up socially, form friendships, and connect with people from different backgrounds. 

Looking ahead, Taryn is weighing her options. She is considering transferring to a 4-year university or entering the workforce to build experience directly in the field. No matter which path she chooses, her goal remains the same: to create meaningful work, enjoy the process, and carry her mother’s legacy forward through art. 

For Taryn, ICC became more than just a place to learn. It became the foundation where creativity and purpose came together.