Today we’d like to introduce you to Avery Henninger.
Hi Avery, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Currently, I am working towards my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree to hopefully work in the concept art field, but I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. I was always regarded as “the art kid” when I was young and it truly stuck. I started taking a genuine interest in learning to draw when I was ten, discovering anime and a new appreciation for the western animated series’ and movies I already adored. Throughout middle school, I drew every second I could, all while hiding this interest of mine because I still lacked the confidence to share my art. However, I did begin to share online in high school, finally gaining the confidence to show those around me my beloved hobby and eventually gaining thousands of followers during the 2020-21 quarantine. With a much higher self-esteem and skillset, I applied to California State Summer School of the Arts (CSSSA), a four week college-level art intensive and some months later I attended their first online program in 2021. That was my first taste of formal art training because up until that point, I was self taught. However, after those four weeks of intense schooling and connecting with other like-minded young artists, I was certain that I wanted to pursue art for as long as possible. Later that year, I applied to a few art colleges and ended up going to Otis College of Art and Design, where I am currently on track to graduate in the spring of 2026.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My story started relatively smooth, I must say, with my largest obstacle being the confidence to share my interests. Something that I never knew I was missing was, without a doubt, like-minded people who shared my appreciation for visual arts and storytelling. After finding my crew at college, I finally felt like I fell into place socially. However, something that has come up in the latter half of my journey is the ever-persistent imposter syndrome that comes with working in a creative field. Yes, I am no longer the only artist I know, but that also means I’m aware of the collective artistic prowess of my peers. However, I am much closer to coming to terms with the fact that imposter syndrome will likely always follow me .
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a concept and visual development artist, meaning that I get to design the characters, environments, props, and just about everything you see in games, movies, and TV. I primarily focus on character design, color design, and composing key art and visual development illustrations. However, while working to break my way into the unforgiving competition that is the art industry, I will design whatever is needed to get my foot in the door.
Given that I am a student, I am mostly known as a classmate and peer as well as a classroom assistant to a single class of sophomores. However, in terms of artistic style, I strive for captivating color pallets, and have often been recognized for adoring coming-of-age style stories and grand, cinematic moments.
At the moment, I am most proud of my two recent projects: “Follow My Lead” which can be found on my website, and “Sailor Sprint”, which will be completed later this year. Follow My Lead was my first independent concept project without the incentive of a grade, and Sailor Sprint is my first project of its kind, focusing on key art and color. Both projects required a certain level of project management that I had not experienced before, so I was very pleased with the outcome and reception of the first one and the current progress of the second.
As to what sets me apart from other artists, I would be compelled to say my mindset towards art as a whole. Creatives seem to always be in an uphill battle with their own mind, and although I myself fall into that, I feel as though I am currently in a great spot with my art. As designers, we are taught to visually problem solve, and I have tried to apply that lesson to everything I do, believing that all if not most problems can be solved. I previously mentioned that I wanted to pursue art for as long as I possibly could, and I can’t do that if I’m not loving what I’m doing the whole way.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to fully explore Los Angeles, but to speak on where I have been, the food is leagues better than my hometown. I am located in a slower part of the county, but on the occasion I visit places like Little Tokyo or Pasadena, I do appreciate the lively streets of a more condensed community and of course the food. Additionally, LA is where my friends and fellow artists are, and I love being surrounded by creatives more than anything.
I do not, however, enjoy LA traffic. I’m a big fan of driving, so being stuck bumper to bumper is horrid.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://averyhenninger.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averi_berlyn/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avery-henninger-2b02a82a7/
Image Credits
All images were created by me, Avery Henninger.
