Drew Parrott

The cliche is that ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I spent my younger years constantly drawing and taking art classes. As I grew older, it was my solace and escapism. I was an awful student, but my best grades were in art class. In high school, I submitted work to competitions and had my art featured in stores and local shows, but I always felt that I would never truly make a living through art. The "rational" and pessimistic side of myself doubted my ability, so I went to college for liberal arts. I was still a terrible student and nearly failed all of my classes aside from art. I took years off of school and decided I was unfit for higher education. I worked dead-end jobs tirelessly while telling myself that I was a failure. I was the only person in my family that did not complete their degree and convinced myself it was due to avoiding excess student loans. 

Years passed, but I continued to make art. Art remained the one thing I was any good at. I noticed I spent my free time doing things like critiquing billboards and store signs. I would think of ways to improve these advertisements while driving to a job I despised. Deep down, I knew working a job that did not involve using my creativity was not something I wanted to continue. I enrolled at Onondaga Community College and started taking art classes. Despite working and going to school full-time, I had never felt better. I knew I was working towards my long term goal of finishing my degree and becoming a professional artist. After earning my associate's degree in graphic design, I went on to attend Oswego University. I continued to work full-time and drove an hour each way to campus every day but never regretted the investment in myself. I will be graduating in December, and I will have succeeded in a goal I thought was unattainable. Over these years, I have improved my art as well as myself. I am committed to lifelong learning, and graphic design is my passion. 

Drew Parrott's work reflects a pension for bright colors, and favors bold designs. He is well versed in traditional and digital media; with a passion for merchandise creation and illustration. Drew creates pieces that appeal to a variety of audiences. He prides himself on being a tactician who encompasses advertising savvy, and marketing prowess when creating. Drew has been a member of the honor's society, the president's list, the dean's list and is committed to lifelong learning. His work has been featured in newspapers, shops, various galleries, and most recently won an award at the 57th Juried Art Exhibition show at the Tyler Art Gallery. Drew has worked for SUNY Oswego, Title IX, Study Breaks, and many other clients. He continues to grow his portfolio, and expand his knowledge in both art, and life.