Hunter Eyestone

Illustrator
Asperger Syndrome

As far back as Hunter Eyestone can remember, she was always drawing. Art was not only her companion, but her key source of joy—the ability to create and relax from reality. “With art,” Hunter said, “I want to take people, viewers, to different realms and worlds. I strive to inspire through bringing characters with good morals to life. I want to create beauty, wonder, and help expand people’s previous perceptions of reality.”

Homeschooled up to fifth grade, even after attending school, Hunter spent recesses alone, drawing to make herself happy. Hunter recalled, “My social interactions were weird. I just never really understood others, and they me. I feared that I was actually mentally stunted.”

At age eighteen, Hunter finally convinced her parents to allow her to see a psychologist. The official diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome brought elation and relief—at last, Hunter knew “what was going on”. There was an explanation for her inability to pick up social cues, tones of voice, and facial expressions.

“Though Asperger’s has hindered me, it has also helped me!” Hunter shared. “My art wasn’t good as a child, but with my Asperger’s, I was able to focus on art for hours, my imagination never turning off.” Such dedication got Hunter into one of the best U.S. animation schools, helping her become the amazing animator that she is today.

To artists who are also learning different, Hunter’s sharing:

“Determination is the KEY. Stick to the path, go beyond! We become better people if we can overcome our challenges. Believe in yourself!”

Hunter welcomes you to connect with her at huntereyestonecharacters.com or @huntereyestone.