Syrus W.

How do people grow yet stay the same?  Sounds like a riddle yet it is more of an axiom. One that Syrus’ journey with Islands of Brilliance really illustrates. Speaking of illustrations - that is something that Syrus really excels at!  In fact, one of his characters was on an IOB t-shirt and another was used on a Christmas card. Syrus’ journey with IOB started as a student in a Foundation Workshop. Today, he is an intern! 

What has stayed the same

When Syrus first started with Islands of Brilliance, Margaret Fairbanks, Co-founder and Chief Education Officer, noted that “He is an amazing illustrator, but doesn’t think his work is good enough. He is really funny, so keeping humor, fun, and lots of bad jokes in the mix helps to connect with him.” 7 years later, this is still true.

Syrus shared that he almost stopped illustrating and was thinking about quitting making art all together. He was no longer proud of or even liked his style. “One night, I decided to try one more time. I even remember it was July 15, 2022. I started drawing a new character in a new style.” After revising it, he finally created something he was proud of. “I named the new character Ellen after a friend.” Syrus has high standards for his work!

He used to and still loves movies (all genres). He loves to research - including researching the back story to the movies he likes (behind the scenes, scripts, etc).

And that sense of humor? Still there and a little more on display as an intern. He is clearly relaxed and comfortable with the IOB environment. As he helps create materials for an upcoming Sandbox, he’s all smiles and small talk.

What is different

“When Syrus started, he was very quiet. Even when he did share his thoughts, it was almost under his breath.  He would mostly draw, scan and color his characters.” Not only did Syrus learn to use new tools (like Illustrator and Photoshop) but also impulse control and greater confidence. Margaret describes an event that upset Syrus, something that might have caused him to withdraw or act out when he first started at IOB. “Instead, he took a few moments and then spoke to the other student involved. I was impressed with his talent, ability to advocate for himself, and growth in confidence.”

Nicole, Syrus’ mother agrees that Syrus gained confidence working with IOB.  She describes the time that they attended Colors and Chords, IOB’s annual fundraising event.  “I was impressed at how comfortable he was in an environment that would have been upsetting in the past. There were so many people there. Seeing his design on the t-shirts that people were buying made him so proud and boosted his confidence.”

For many years Syrus wanted to be an animator for movies. He has some different thoughts now.  He is a senior in high school as this story is written.  Like all seniors, he is thinking about his future. He plans to take a gap year and then possibly attend community college where he is considering studying graphic design, illustration, or art history. 

For now, IOB is happy to have his help during Foundation Workshops, sharing the occasional illustration and his quiet sense of humor.

Artwork created by Syrus