“My favorite things to draw are animals, shapes, and typography,” Carson said.
When Carson was born on Dec. 23,1983, life as an artist didn’t appear to be in her future.
Carson has a form of muscular dystrophy called spinal muscular atrophy. As she explains it, her muscles weaken and waste away due to degeneration of motor neurons, which are the cells in the spinal cord.
That diagnosis—affecting one in 10,000 births, most female—means Carson will to rely on help to do most things in life. But the spirited brunette has benefited from the belief and support of a favorite teacher at Sterling Central High School, who helped her realize her dream of a career in graphic design could be a reality.
“Mrs. Worth inspired me to become an artist because she expected a lot out of me,” Carson said. “She pushed me to my limits regardless of my disability and I respect her for it. Mrs. Worth made me realize that I can do just about anything in art.”
Worth even entered Carson’s first oil pastel drawing into a contest at the local fair, earning her first-place honors.
“My first oil pastel was a giraffe and it turned out really clean and crisp,” Carson said.
The drawing has also had an impact on her mom. Lottie Carson said the giraffe is her favorite because it looks like the animal is following the person viewing it.
Carson currently attends Oakland Community College in Farmington Hills. She is studying graphic design and plans to graduate in 2011.
But college has been a long journey for Carson and her mom, who drives her to school. The family lives more than two hours away from the college.
“I will stand behind her,” Lottie Carson said. “I want to watch her grow and to support Ashley’s love of graphic design.”
For Carson, OCC is the best chance at a better life.
“Everyone always asks why drive so far to go to school and I tell them the colleges up north are not as good as OCC in terms of technology,” she said. “I want to get the best education possible to ensure greater job opportunities after graduation. The drive is worth it because I do not to live on disability my whole life.”
Carson said technology will allow her draw, despite the progression of spinal muscular atrophy. She said drawing has become harder because her hands are getting weaker.
Carson relies on Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for her work. She’s even doing some freelance work using the programs.
“I am able to enter logo contests and have a chance to win some money at 99Design.com,” Carson said. “The programs allow me to create something quickly, compared to the week it would take to do one logo freehand.”
Carson lives with her mom and two of her four siblings in Sterling. The two siblings who live with Carson also suffer from spinal muscular atrophy. Her brother, Gabe, is 23, and her sister, Jordan, is 21.
This year, Carson put her academic future on hold after Gabe was diagnosed with a non-malignant tumor. His well-being comes first, she said.
Gabe admires two qualities about his older sister.
“She is so kind and caring for other people,” Gabe said. “Her determination also allows her to achieve anything in the world.”
Carson said she hopes to make her mark on the artistic world.
“I want people to remember that I grew up in a small village town where most individuals are not wealthy,” she said. “I want people to know that I worked hard to be successful and I want people to recognize my logos around the world.”
A contest drawing and a picture of Carson- Photos provided by Carson.
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