MY JOURNEY WITH DYSLEXIA
I haven’t always been conscious of how dyslexia has shaped my path, but over time, I've realized how it’s influenced the way I see and approach the world.
For years, I went through school without a diagnosis, only offered the chance to test for dyslexia in university. In school, I was seen as a “poor performer”—no one considered that I might be dyslexic. My teacher even insisted I write right-handed, assuming my poor handwriting was just due to “laziness” or lack of intelligence…I’m left-handed.
Because I wasn’t at the same reading and writing level as my peers, I spent most of my early education in special education classes. School never saw my strengths; it only measured what I couldn’t do their way. I could have spent my life believing I was a failure. But by discovering art (by accident, but that’s a different story), I found something I was good at and passionate about, something I never thought possible.
Imagine how many kids sit in those same classrooms, brilliant and capable, but completely overlooked because they don’t fit the system’s mold.
The more I understand about dyslexia, the more I see how it’s shaped my creativity, career, and view of the world.
How Dyslexia Has Influenced My Career and Perspective
Unique Problem-Solving
Dyslexia has given me a different way of processing information, allowing me to see problems from new angles and offer fresh ideas. A dyslexic mind often thinks in pictures, using visual and spatial reasoning to approach challenges creatively.Curiosity and a Love for Learning
Overcoming challenges has fueled a deep sense of curiosity and a love of learning. Dyslexics are often drawn to dive deeply into subjects that interest them, gaining expertise in areas others might overlook.Leadership and Empathy
Experiencing the world differently fosters empathy and understanding. These qualities have shaped how I work with others and guide teams.Focus on Strengths
Dyslexia often requires focusing on natural strengths rather than traditional academic skills. This approach has driven me to develop creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills that now define my work.Resilience and Adaptability
Dyslexics often build resilience by finding alternative ways to learn and work effectively, a trait highly valued in creative fields where flexibility is essential.Pattern Recognition and Lateral Thinking
Many dyslexic individuals are skilled at recognizing patterns and making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, Augmented Reality and art for example, fostering innovative approaches that break from conventional thinking.Innovation Through Necessity
When traditional ways of working don’t fit, innovation is born out of necessity. This mindset has influenced my professional work, encouraging me to find new, creative ways to tackle tasks and projects.Empathy and Inclusion
Experiencing the world in a unique way has deepened my empathy and appreciation for diversity, I think that’s important for an artist.
If you’re dyslexic or neurodivergent, please remember:
A Diverse way of thinking is natural and valuable in society.
Neurodivergence is a strength, not a weakness.
Challenges are real & they suck, but they don’t define you.