Jun’s participation in the Calling Up Justice Digital Residency demonstrates a thoughtful and steady progression toward artistic clarity, confidence, and professional development. In the early stages of the residency, Jun engaged in exploratory conversations to better understand the structure and possibilities of the program, including digital portfolio creation, artistic storytelling, and up-skilling opportunities. Through shared resources such as EarlyWords, Crip Create co-working sessions, the Crip Tech Incubator, and examples of professional artists work, Jun began to recognize digital space as a site not only for presentation, but for deepening artistic identity and intention.
As the residency developed, Jun’s work became increasingly focused and self-directed. Together, we explored practical tools such as portfolio platforms, CV development, and presentation design, alongside critical reflection on artistic voice, aesthetic choices, and audience. Jun demonstrated a growing ability to articulate the motivations behind their use of mixed media and collage, as well as their interest in both physical and digital art practices. The development of core materials—including a bio, CV, and portfolio—supported Jun in seeing themselves more fully as an artist, while iterative brainstorming sessions helped shape a clear direction for their creative work.
By the conclusion of the residency, Jun had assembled a cohesive set of artistic materials and cultivated a stronger sense of authorship over their work. The preparation of a presentation for a curated audience marked a significant milestone, with Jun organizing their practice into distinct thematic areas and approaching their delivery with increased confidence. This residency supported Jun in advancing key goals: completing work they feel proud to share, experimenting with new artistic approaches, and building foundational tools for future opportunities such as exhibitions, graduate study, and professional practice. Jun leaves the residency with both tangible assets and an expanded capacity to imagine and pursue a sustainable artistic path.
Reflections from Digital Resident Jun
During this digital residency, I explored different ways to grow as an artist. This included writing daily questions to encourage creative thinking, reviewing my bio, CV, portfolio, and website, and receiving detailed feedback from my mentor. These activities helped me gain a clearer understanding of myself as an artist. One of the most important experiences was presenting my portfolio to another person and my mentor, which allowed me to share my work and receive meaningful guidance.
My confidence grew in ways that helped me feel less afraid of sharing my art with others. I began to let go of the fear of what people might think. I also developed a better understanding of my work, especially my graphic design pieces. Before, I often thought of my design work as just class assignments, but through this residency, I learned how to talk about it as part of my artistic practice. My mentor helped me think more deeply about my work by asking questions like whether my work connects to me personally and why I made it. This helped me step back and reflect, instead of only seeing what is on the surface.
Moving forward, my goal is to use what I learned as I continue making art outside of school. This experience changed how I present my work, especially in helping others understand the meaning behind it. I want to continue sharing my art with more people because it will help me grow and prepare for future opportunities, such as exhibitions, museums, or other art spaces. Overall, this residency helped me become more confident and intentional in how I see myself and present myself as an artist.
See Jun’s Portfolio here: juntellez.carrd.co
