MOUNT OLIVE – For University of Mount Olive junior Basil Whitaker, art is more than a major. Art serves as a language and a bridge between imagination and connection. A Visual Arts and Design student from Goldsboro, Whitaker is part of the growing wave of young artists shaping UMO’s newest creative program, where traditional fine arts and modern digital tools blend into one transformative learning experience.
Whitaker, who plans to graduate in 2027, said UMO’s small, discussion-driven classrooms initially stood out. That setting created the right environment for growth. “I simply work better in a more intimate environment,” Whitaker said. “I feel more comfortable asking questions and can more easily learn from professors and classmates. Art has always been my passion, so the program just felt like the perfect fit.”
Before coming to UMO, Whitaker was known for working fast. Pieces often began and ended in the same afternoon. The classroom experience, layered with critiques, experimentation, and an emphasis on reflection, changed both pace and process. “I learned that taking my time and stepping back helps me see what might be missing,” Whitaker said. “That approach helps reduce stress, especially when trying new techniques.”
That shift became most evident in a project for VAD 230, where students were asked to draw an object directly from observation. Whitaker chose a camera, a subject filled with small details and subtle color shifts. What began with anxiety eventually became one of Whitaker’s proudest works.
“I originally felt like I ruined the drawing,” Whitaker admitted. After struggling with a muddy color mix, hours of work were erased and the piece was started again, this time creating a silver tone through layered blacks, whites, and blues. “Eventually I created a realistic and colorful piece I feel very satisfied with. The process helped me understand how to use color, especially with colored pencils.”
That understanding has become central to artistic growth. “My use of color has grown exponentially,” Whitaker said. “Coloring and shading are now my favorite parts of creating art.”
UMO’s Visual Arts and Design major blends drawing, painting, printmaking, design theory, photo editing, and digital illustration. For Whitaker, who has enjoyed digital art since middle school, this combination feels natural. “The major has made me more self-assured in trying new things and taking advantage of the digital tools available,” Whitaker said.
At the same time, a foundation in traditional arts has strengthened anime-inspired work, a style central to Whitaker’s creative identity. “Understanding real-life objects and people allows me to push the boundaries in anime illustrations,” Whitaker explained. “Earlier drawings often lacked interesting poses and lighting, but fine arts training has helped create more dynamic compositions.”
Whitaker believes anime’s rise as a global art form is transforming how young creators view storytelling and character design. “Anime can be adapted to meet an artist’s needs while still remaining familiar to the viewer,” Whitaker said. “More unique styles are emerging, and more media is influenced by it every day.” Whitaker also views the medium as a powerful tool for connection and healing. “I hope anime-inspired works help people slow down, connect, and navigate difficult experiences. It’s a medium that can make a real impact.”
Whitaker describes UMO’s art community as diverse. Students arrive with different backgrounds and goals, yet each receives individualized attention. “The faculty helps each student move toward personal goals,” Whitaker said. “Everyone is met where they are and allowed to flourish.”
Studio access and public showcases have also played a key role in development. “These opportunities make me take my artwork more seriously,” Whitaker said. “Having a space designed purely for creating helps me focus. The showcases push me to do my best even when stepping outside my comfort zone.”
Whitaker hopes people who encounter this work feel something deeply personal.
“I want to show the joy and unapologetic fun found in childhood,” Whitaker said. “I hope my art opens people’s minds, comforts those who feel misunderstood, and brings a wide range of emotions and ideas to viewers.”
After graduation, Whitaker hopes to become a freelance artist with a focus on designing characters and visual narratives for video games. Long-term goals include working with or founding an independent studio centered on story-driven games that resonate with players.
“I want to bring my characters to life,” Whitaker said. “I also want to explore other artistic opportunities such as clothing, comics, zines, charms, and cards.”
Whitaker said UMO has laid the foundation for that versatility. “UMO has prepared me for the flexibility required in a creative career. The program has helped build a diverse skill set that will continue to grow.”
For Basil Whitaker, art is more than a skill. Art is a journey, a catalyst for empathy, and a pathway to worlds yet imagined. At UMO, that journey is only just beginning.
