You Are Valid: The Journey of Self Discovery

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Creative Action is a nonprofit, arts-based youth development organization that provides creative learning programs for Central Texas youth.

Color Squad is a collective of teen artists who work together to design and implement public and community art.

Each year, we explore a theme that is important in our community, research that theme through a series of workshops and interactions, and then create art that reflects that theme.

Color Squad is a program of Creative Action.

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This year, we have explored the theme of LGBTQIA+ advocacy and identity. This zine contains artwork from all 17 collective members that falls under the theme of “You are valid, I am valid, we are valid.” For some teens in Color Squad, their zine piece was an expression of their own identities, and some show support to others who are discovering themselves, and those whose identities are at odds with dominant culture.

You Are Valid: The Journey of Self-Discovery is a testament to affirmation and recognition of ourselves and one another.

Special Thanks to: QWELL The Gender and Sexuality Center at the University of Texas at Austin Out Youth Matrex Kilgore Meg Greene Gabryella Desporte Sara Zavaleta

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The Creators: Pg. 2- Zoe Dubin “Germinate” Growth is beautiful. Don’t be afraid to change yourself for the better.

Pg. 3- Quinn Erickson “Multifaceted” Pg. 4- Aye Aye “Untited No. 12” Pg. 5- Brianna Murillo “It’s Okay” It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay if you get a scratch or two. Life is tough on everyone and that’s just okay.

Pg. 6- Anthony Womack “Red Weight” The personality society gives you by trying to make you into someone you’re not. Some of us are still trying to figure out who we are.

Pg. 7- Louisa Najar “Today was a day” For this piece I wanted to present my thought process and mood throughout the day. This makes me feel valid.

Pg. 8- Ellie Hebert “Invalid” Pg. 9- Ella Salerno “Reflecting” Pg. 10- Skye MacAuley “Self Peace” Pg. 11- Aren Castro “Puzzled” I once tried to put together a 1000 piece puzzle of a Pollock painting with my Dad. I wasn’t able complete the Pollock puzzle, but I came out to my family that summer, so that’s of a piece of my puzzle. Even if you’re still piecing yourself together, that’s okay. Still valid.

Pg. 12, 13- Riley Cruzcosa “Pop Corruption”

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Pg. 14-Tate Collins “Overlay” It’s all connected one way or another.

Pg. 15- Alex Nagle “On Fire” Pg. 16- Dylan Hernandez “Face Off ” Pg. 17- Kai Pollock “L” Pg. 18- Avery Reeves “Dressing Room” This is the most honest portrait I’ve drawn of myself, and I feel better already.

Pg. 19- Haley Platt “Perennial” When you spend time taking care of others, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself as well. And when you stop focusing on personal growth, it’s hard to take care of the same things you used to! My piece is all about how self care and growth are important for the journey to self discovery, an essential step in learning more about yourself and becoming the best you can be.

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