Welcome to Illustrator's Way, Nossi College's Fall 2025 illustration newsletter! This edition showcases the incredible talent and creativity of our illustration program, featuring graduating student highlights, faculty spotlights, exciting field trips, and stunning student artwork from across our campus.
Mark Fleming
Illustration Program Director
and instructor since 2004
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.
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. By age twelve, she was already selling her vibrant oil paintings at local craft fairs. At fifteen, she began experimenting with tattooing on fruit. By seventeen, while still in high school, Cydnee boldly stepped into professional tattooing.
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.
Cydnee would love to hear from you!
11:37 Art Studio
📞 (931) 452-9010
📱 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 Ratliff
Illustration & Graphic Design instructor since 2018
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.
Breaking Into the Industry
After graduating, Tracy set her sights on merging her passions for visual art and music. 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 earned her B.G.A. with honors from Nossi College of Art in 2012. Today, she continues to push boundaries, pursuing a Master of Science in Digital Design at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, with graduation anticipated in Spring 2026.
"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."
— Tracy Ratliff
Samples of Tracy's Work in design and illustration
Illustration Student Graduating HighLight
This section showcases the work of Jeanette Nettles, a graduating student during the fall semester of 2025. Each student has their own style, vision and drive.
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.
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.
Glance Student Art Work This Semester
Sam McKinney, Capstone class
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
Mindy Gilbert
Director of Academic Operations
mgilbert@nossi.edu
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.
Background & Education
Mindy 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 before joining Nossi in 2009.
Beyond the Office
Mindy adores her "puppers," Ziggy and Nico, who are beloved campus visitors. 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.
From Kirk: Illustration Careers are Thriving!
Kirk D. Denney, MFA
Vice President of Talent Development and Strategic Engagement
k.denney@nossi.edu
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.
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!
Software Tips & Shortcuts
Adobe Photoshop: Quick Levels
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
- Results will be richer blacks and tones
Adobe Illustrator: Radial Repeat
Make perfect circle patterns.
- Make the shape you want to repeat
- Go to Object/Repeat/Radial
- Use slider to add/remove shapes
In All Software Classes:
SAVE EARLY.....SAVE OFTEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Trained Eye: Candid Photos
Adobe Illustrator Quiz and Mid Term Exam
Chef Pruss and all working hard
Julissa and Zee creating their book
Lilly Daffron Illustrator