“Computer Animation & Web Design” was the high school class that started it all.

Enter Tianna Jonas, a reserved teenager in the year 2015. Massive creative potential, with a not-so-massive idea of where it’s gonna go in a few years. The very first second I opened Photoshop, I knew I had found a lifelong tool of the trade, an uncovered language that I had no idea I’d been fluent in for ages.

Graphic Design!

Connecting with the masses through advertisements and branding has very quickly become one of my favorite creative assets so far, and I ran to pursue my education at Kean University after taking a gap year to gather some personal work experience. My time in the design program has brought me so many amazing opportunities with amazing people that I’ll never let go of. The internships I’ve been blessed to take on have put me in the position to be an even stronger advocate for young black creatives like me, and those seeking justice and security through nonprofit organizations.

In February of 2021, I lost my mother to alcoholism. Having grown up in a low-income household with little emphasis on mental health, I had always been used to finding a way through life and the trials of college on my own. This event in my life solidified the notion that I needed to handle most things on my own. I had help from amazing people along the way, and I am forever grateful. My journey to full financial independence has been extremely important to me, and my journey has only begun. Spring 2023 marks my last semester of college into getting my BFA in Graphic Design, and I promised myself over and over that I would be graduating on time so I can jumpstart my career. The strides I’ve taken up to this point have been to solidify that goal as well as propel myself closer to full independence. Soon, I’d love to be able to get my mother a headstone and put money towards a trust fund for my younger brother so that his journey can begin a lot smoother than mine has. I’m doing this for the little black girl with a few sketchbooks and a dream. I’m also doing this for my family and the people who have helped bring me to this important point in my life. I’m doing this for my mom, smiling down at me from heaven each day.

With this GoFundMe, I will be paying my tuition needed for this semester, and any extra funds left over will be put towards my savings and growth. It’s time for this creative to finish STRONG!

Also, I think we're pretty acquainted with each other, so feel free to call me Ti! :)

Cheers!

(Someday, I'll have a house as cool as my Minecraft house. You can hold me to that!)