About

Hi, I’m Heron and I think of myself as a creative communicator. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science from Temple University and worked as a software developer and data scientist for a few years before moving to the Bay Area. I’ve also studied graphic design, writing and advertising and started taking illustration commissions at the age of seventeen. Over the years I gradually developed a unique style which was influenced by my diverse background with elements of math, digital design, illustration and storytelling.

In 2025 I worked on a couple AI models for image detection and generation, and I found myself feeling uncomfortable with the direction the industry was heading. I couldn’t stomach the thought of helping corporations unethically train AI models on the copyrighted work of independent artists. So instead of using this new technology in my art, I decided to go back to my roots. All of my designs are made 100% from scratch (no AI) using a combination of traditional tools and Photoshop. Everything I write is also 100% my own work. Most of my code is cobbled together from other people’s code, as is tradition.

My goal with Simply Joyful Designs is to share some of that inner childlike joy and wonder which keeps me going through hard times. Some days it’s difficult to remember the good things in the world, but then I see a lemon or a frog in vibrant colors on the wall and remember to smile. I believe that joy can be a form of rebellion against a world which constantly tries to convince you to be afraid and insecure. Joy is our armor and our strength. So keep smiling, keep dreaming, and keep making art.

My first series – Lemon, Orange and Lime – is currently featured in the Solano Town Center Gallery.