Ronda A.

I am writing on behalf of my son, Aaron. This is not a position that anyone wants to be in, and this GoFundMe is a humbling request that will hopefully help Aaron get back on his feet. Aaron is a very talented graphic designer who was recently forced out of his job because of AI. Because of this, he is struggling to meet basic living necessities while searching for work. He is trying so hard to find a job. Aaron's Story: Aaron has been an artist since he was old enough to hold a pencil. His elementary school teachers recognized his talent, and he would always win art contests at school. In high school, he had the opportunity to attend a wonderful STEM school in Myrtle Beach, SC where he majored in graphic design. He continued to excel, and his designs even won national competitions. One of his proudest achievements was designing a logo for his high school that is still being used today. Health Issues: However, in the midst of this, he faced a life-threatening situation. At the beginning of his senior year of high school, Aaron nearly lost his life due to a ruptured ulcer. Aaron was rushed to MUSC Children's Hospital, where he had emergency surgery and endured an extensive stay and a long recovery. The miraculous staff of MUSC saved Aaron's life but he continued to suffer with a chronic illness following an additional diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. The extensive treatments, including infusions every eight weeks, affected his immune system and he spent years trying to stabilize his debilitating health situation. Work Experience: After high school, he attended college and landed his first job as a graphic designer and photographer. Everything was going well until COVID hit. Because of Aaron's compromised immune system due to the medication used to treat his UC, his doctor did not want Aaron working in the office. His employer allowed him to work some at home, but they still needed him in the office. At the height of COVID, Aaron's health increasingly grew worse, and his only option was to work at home. Eventually, he was let go because of his health condition. Aaron was thankful for his experience and used that job as a steppingstone. His next job was for a company called Feminist Frequency, a company that was based in San Francisco. This job was incredibly rewarding as they were a company that really aligned with Aaron's ethics. He was honored to be a part of their team and remained a valued employee until the time that the company dissolved. Although he was living in South Carolina and working remotely, he traveled to San Francisco to meet with the team and deepen the connection. His next job was working for a small company in another small town in South Carolina. The job allowed him to improve his skills as a graphic designer, and he was able to utilize more creativity in his designs. Fast forward a few years and now here we are in the current situation. His employer introduced AI into his art with the goal of removing the human aspect of his designs. This was heartbreaking for Aaron. As an artist, he felt that ethically he could not align with an employer who would replace the human element of art with AI. Aaron was forced out of his job because of AI. Current situation: Aaron is a talented artist who wants to work and has been trying to find a job for the past six months. When he was forced out of his prior position (due to AI) he thought he would have another position lined up. However, his job loss coincided with the current changes in our economy including advances in AI that are affecting a lot of workers in creative fields, and he is still trying to find a job. For the past six months, Aaron has been developing his social media accounts where he has received a lot of positive feedback including support and encouragement from other artists who share his concerns regarding AI. He regularly engages with his followers and posts content that that includes tutorials and highlights his work. Ethics & Passion for Art: Aaron lives for art. He is ethical, compassionate, and deeply committed to using creativity for good. He doesn’t drink or party—his life is dedicated to his work and to causes that matter. He is wise beyond his years. His greatest inspiration is Jim Henson, and like Henson, Aaron believes art can make the world a better place. Aaron has the soul of an artist and wants to use his art for good. Please share his links, share his art, and help if you can. His situation right now is dire. He has used all of his savings and needs money for rent and food. He's not even able to address his health situation right now as he is focused on his needs for basic living. Every donation will be appreciated with so much love and gratitude. He's trying so hard to find a job. Thank you so much.