Illustrators Way

MESSAGE
From Mark

What's next in our vibrant field of Illustration?

The future of illustration isn't just coming; it's here, and it's brimming with opportunities for bold, human-centered creators like you. Illustration is evolving faster than ever, blending cutting-edge tech with timeless storytelling.

Your unique voice is irreplaceable. AI may generate ideas, but it can't capture the soul, perspective, or handcrafted magic that defines great illustration.

In a world flooded with AI's polished outputs, clients are craving the raw, imperfect charm of hand-drawn work. Your sketchbooks are your superpower here!

Flat designs are out; depth is in. Expect 3D illustrations to dominate web, AR experiences, and branding, creating interactive worlds that pull viewers in. Tools like Blender are game-changers.

Illustration Graduate HighLight

Cydnee Cothron Dickey

Illustration Graduate of Spring 2024

A Visionary Artist and Leader in Creativity

A Tennessee-born illustrator, tattoo artist, graphic designer and fine art visionary, has carved a remarkable path in the world of art. As a graduate of Nossi College of Art, Cydnee emerged not only as a highly talented and driven student but also as a standout leader among her peers, particularly in illustration. Her boundless creativity and dedication have made her a shining star, inspiring both her classmates and the broader artistic community.

Today, as the proud founder of 11:37 Art Studio, she continues to weave enchantment into every piece she creates, blending whimsy, nature, and storytelling with unparalleled skill.

Early Artistic Journey

Cydnee's artistic journey began in childhood, marked by an extraordinary drive that set her apart early on. By age twelve, she was already selling her vibrant oil paintings at local craft fairs. At fifteen, she began experimenting with tattooing on fruit, a playful yet determined step toward mastering a craft. By seventeen, while still in high school, Cydnee boldly stepped into professional tattooing, demonstrating a fearless commitment to her art.

Excellence at Nossi

At Nossi College of Art, Cydnee's talent and leadership shone brightly. She excelled in illustration, earning admiration for her ability to bring fantastical scenes to life with traditional and digital mediums. Her work often features enchanting creatures, sun-dappled woodlands, and quiet, evocative moments that invite viewers into a world of wonder.

11:37 Art Studio

In founding 11:37 Art Studio, Cydnee has created a cozy, inspiring haven where her dreams take flight. The studio is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to living a life immersed in art. Here, she crafts original tattoo designs that blend her signature whimsical style with deeply personal narratives, while also producing fine art and commercial designs that captivate clients and collectors alike.

Cydnee would love to hear from you!

11:37 Art Studio

📞 (931) 452-9010

🌐 1137artstudio.com

📱 Instagram: @1137_artstudio

Contact Cydnee for art, get a tattoo, learn to tattoo, art lessons and more.

A variety of artwork by Cydnee

INSTRUCTOR IN-FOCUS

Tracy has become an invaluable asset to the Nossi teaching family, demonstrating remarkable dedication to her students and the institution. As an instructor of both Graphic Design and Illustration courses, she brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her classrooms.

Tracy Ratliff: A Creative Force in Art and Education

Tracy Ratliff's creative journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to art. Born in Appalachian Virginia, Tracy's love for drawing ignited in childhood. By age ten, she had already declared her future as an artist—a vision she pursued with unwavering determination.

In high school, Tracy honed her craft, selling pencil-drawn portraits and watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings to earn extra income. This early entrepreneurial spirit paved the way for her studies at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where she majored in Visual Communications.

Breaking Into the Industry

After graduating, Tracy set her sights on merging her passions for visual art and music. Undeterred by uncertainty, she cold-called record companies along the East Coast, pitching her skills as an illustrator and designer. Her persistence paid off when a small record label on Nashville's iconic Music Row gave her a chance, launching her professional career.

Continuing Education

Tracy's drive to evolve led her to Nossi College of Art, where she earned her B.G.A. with honors in 2012. Today, she continues to push boundaries, pursuing a Master of Science in Digital Design at the prestigious University of Edinburgh in Scotland, with graduation anticipated in Spring 2026.

Teaching Excellence

As an instructor of Graphic Design and Illustration at Nossi, Tracy is a cornerstone of the program. Her strong teaching style and ability to connect with students ensure they thrive, mastering essential skills under her guidance. Her dedication has earned her an A+ rating as a teacher, reflecting her profound impact on the classroom.

"Whether I'm illustrating, designing, or photographing, I don't experience them as separate worlds. The vision comes from the same creative headspace—it's about the idea and finding the best way to bring it into the world. At the core, the process of creating feels the same. That's why I've always thought of what I do as one thing—art."
— Tracy Ratliff

Samples of Tracy's Work in design and illustration

Illustration Student Graduating HighLight

This section will showcase the work of a graduating student during the fall semester of 2025. This semester the work of Jeanette Nettles is featured. Each student has their own style, vision and drive. Here are some samples of her work.

Jeanette Nettles

Field Trip PICASSO WORKS

Students from Nossi College of Art recently took a field trip to Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center to view an extraordinary exhibition of works by Pablo Picasso. Monthaven is located in Hendersonville, TN at 1017 Antebellum Cir, Hendersonville, TN 37075.

Through Nossi's partnership with Monthaven, students have the unique opportunity to experience masterworks of world-renowned artists right here in the local community. During the visit, students were deeply engaged, studying Picasso's bold use of color, form, and abstraction that revolutionized modern art.

As one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Picasso's pioneering role in developing Cubism and his exploration of emotional depth through painting, sculpture, and printmaking offered students an inspiring glimpse into the power of creative innovation.

Glance Student Art Work This Semester

Sam McKinney, Capstone class. @SinnamonKupo

Sloane Koenig, Basic Drawing

Addah O'Brien, Adv. Anatomy

Hayden McQueen, Color Theory

Josh Brown, Adobe Illustrator

Miles Dunn, Adobe Illustrator

Melanie Martinez, Anatomy

Sara Headley, Anatomy

Dillan Rose, Adobe Illustrator

Miles Dunn, Basic Drawing

Crovis Diaz, Color Theory

Chelsea Bristow, Color Theory

Ian Andreason, Anatomy

Connor Merlo, Anatomy

Savannah Shaffer, Sequential

Aaron Exler, Color Theory

Ryan Gardenhire, Color Theory

Gabriell Mattes, Advertising Illustration

Spotlight on Mindy Gilbert: The Heart Behind Nossi's Academic Operations

At Nossi College of Art, few people wear as many hats—or wear them as gracefully—as Mindy, Director of Academic Operations. With a calm efficiency and a heart for helping others, Mindy is the behind-the-scenes force who keeps the college running smoothly.

She builds out faculty and student schedules each semester, carefully customizing them to fit individual needs and ensure the best possible learning experience. Whether it's resolving schedule changes, troubleshooting Moodle, assisting with Verkada Security Pass and Verity Apps, or helping with Nossi.edu emails, Mindy is the go-to person for students and instructors alike. Her open-door policy reflects her genuine care for every member of the Nossi community—she's always ready to listen, guide, or simply offer a kind word.

Background & Education

Mindy's dedication is rooted in a deep background of service and education. She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology and Counselor Education from Tennessee Technological University, and spent years working with at-risk youth in various nonprofits before joining Nossi in 2009.

Beyond the Office

Beyond her administrative excellence, Mindy brings warmth and personality to campus life. She adores her "puppers," Ziggy and Nico, who are beloved campus visitors, and when she's not organizing the college, you'll likely find her cheering for the Tennessee Titans, experimenting in the kitchen, or expressing her creativity through art.

Mindy does so much for so many people at Nossi, and her care and commitment truly embody the spirit of the college.

From Kirk: Illustration Careers are Thriving!

Now is an exciting time to be an Illustrator—creative careers are stronger than ever, especially across technology-driven industries that rely on visual storytellers. The more skills you build, the more marketable you become!

Today's employers are seeking illustrators who can blend traditional creativity with modern tools—skills like social media, content creation, motion graphics, and smart use of AI. Learning how to use AI as a tool while keeping your own creative vision in control is essential!

Those who cultivate technology as an aid rather than the final creative force will be the ones shaping tomorrow's industry and leading the way for what's next.

Stay tuned as some exciting career opportunities in the technology sector are announced in the near future!

—KD

Software Tips & Shortcuts

Adobe Photoshop: Quick Levels Adjustment

Work smarter not harder. When someone sends you pictures of low light, quick adjust with LEVELS.

Use the shortcut Cmd + L = LEVELS
Adjust sliders on dialogue box to reset the white point, mid tones and darks
Results will be a richer black and tones

Adobe Illustrator: Radial Repeat

Work smarter not harder. Ever wanted to make a circle of shapes? You tried to do this manually and it's never right.

Make the shape you want to repeat
Select it and go to the menu: Object/Repeat/Radial
Slider on right will add and remove more or less shapes. You can also resize at this point

Adobe Illustrator: Clipping Mask

Work smarter not harder. Create complex shape fills easily.

Make a shape and repeat as needed
Create a letter to work with
Move letter over shapes. Select them all. Then use shortcut COMMAND + 7 (Clipping Mask)

In All Software Classes:

SAVE EARLY.....SAVE OFTEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Trained Eye: Candid Photos

Adobe Illustrator Quiz and Mid Term Exam

Chef Russ and all working hard

Julieta and Zee creating their book

Lilly Daffron - ldaffron@nossi.edu