Even though freshman Miles Gray was technically “present” in class, his mind was “out of this world” with the immersive art of doodling. 

“I like to draw fictional stuff,” Miles said. “I just drew a guy on the moon the other day. He had a huge backpack and everything. I know for some people it helps to draw and pay attention, but I just zone out.”

Throughout the day, doodling provides a creative outlet to express Miles’ vision of the world and the people in his life. Reflecting his perception of both characters in his life and on screen, the quality of each piece doesn’t matter as much as the enjoyment of creating them. 

“I went to a few art classes, and it helped,” Miles said. “I’m not very good at doing every detail like shading. I have my ups and downs, but I think I’m okay. I like to draw more caricatures.”

One of Miles’ favorite characters to draw comes from Star Wars’ Clone Troopers, due to their unique helmet designs and shapes. Finding himself immersed in the designs of characters, he is able to put his own spin on their apperances.

In addition, Miles finds inspiration from the books that he reads. When he imagines a scene for a book, both the images he conjures in his mind and the voices of the characters turn out very similar to movie adaptations. Some of his favorite books stem from the same author of The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins. 

“Gregor the Overlander is one of my favorite series,” Miles said. “It’s a series about this guy who goes into the underworld. I read the entire series in fifth or sixth grade. It may be considered weird with goblins and the underworld, but it’s pretty cool.”

While he still considers Gregor the Overlander an excellent piece of literature, it’s more geared toward a younger audience. Miles is now fascinated by stories from historical fiction or classic genres such as Slaughterhouse-Five. 

Finally having the opportunity to pick up more books from the shelves at home, Miles has found a closer connection with his dad by reading the same books that he loves. Furthermore, he bonds with his Dad and siblings through the movies they watch together. 

“Just the other day, I watched Rick and Morty with my Dad,” Miles said. “It’s a pretty good show. Whenever he gets the chance, he’ll watch stuff with my brothers and me. We have varying opinions [on movies]. My dad has his own theories on a show, so it’s cool to talk about that. We all have our different tastes, and it’s fun to talk about movies.”

Discussing fan theories behind TV shows with family and friends makes the stories all the more enjoyable. Through his interest in movies, Miles has formed unexpected friendships with those who share similar tastes. 

However, Miles’ favorite movie to talk about is Twin Peaks. Truly encapsulating the art of suspense and mystery, this story stands out above the rest.

“The Twin Peaks show is about solving a murder of this girl,” Miles said, “but it’s not just a murder mystery. There’s this guy named Bob who’s an evil demon and possesses people; he’s super creepy. The main character Agent Cooper is solving this mystery, but there’s this theory that he is supposed to be like us as if we’re the detectives.”

This form of entertainment leaves Miles feeling exhilarated with the challenge and puzzle that it presents to him. Overall, he enjoys looking at art through a variety of angles and mediums to create the full and complete picture. 

Whether it’s doodling, reading books, or watching movies, Miles has an eye for the complex and out-of-the-ordinary. One day, Miles may find a career in the industry of film—allowing his creativity to thrive. 

“I listen to David Lynch,” Miles said. “He’s a director of a bunch of stuff; he makes all these weird movies that make you think. Listening to him would be cool if I want to do that. I’ve thought about going to film school. I’ve never acted, but I feel like I could direct.”