Andrew Maldonado

Hi my names Andy, I am artist born & raised in Holyoke,MA! I started my education at Mater Dolorosa School on Maple Street,became a alumni graduate of Holyoke High School and pushed my education even further at Holyoke Community College and recently obtained my Associates in Visual Art. Currently, I'm still planning on pushing my education even further by pursuing a degree in Digital illustration through Game Art & Animation. Ever since I younger I've always had a fiery passion for art and I just can't help myself but to be inspired by what is around me and what Holyoke has to offer. I've worked on several Art projects in & around New England. From murals to even celebrating St.Patricks day parade in the creation of floats and I've also helped bridged the community through youth leadership to inspire & help advocate the importance of community through the Arts. In my spare time, I just love to draw from my imagination,reading books & writing stories, to even playing video games. For me combining the four into a Art-form is what I strive to do as artist in becoming a Concept illustrator within the Gaming Industry. Currently I am Microsoft Xbox Live Ambassador & Representative via Social networking for two of my biggest video game companies 343 Industries & Bungie Studios. In which, I've been featured via community spotlight and recognition within the online community for user created content such as artwork to even map creations and for hosting online Game nights/Playdates within the Halo Community.Even though I've only started my journey in life, being a artist has become much more than a hobby, or passion for me but a lifestyle! For that, I am glad to say I am extremely grateful for being apart of Holyoke and to everyone whose helped me along the way.It has taught me a lot about who I am as a person, and has opened opportunities I wouldn't of have thought possible and most importantly has given me the courage to say "I am Holyoke!"