Bija Haxhicani
Hello! My name is Bija Haxhicani and I was a junior and senior at Freestyle Academy the years 2018-2020. Through this program, I took three classes; English, Design, and Digital Media that I have helped me develop my knowledge with the usage of technology and allowed me to acquire many skills I can use in my future. Prior to Freestyle, I wasn’t exposed to as many advanced applications. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with these many applications and to also learn from my teachers and classmates. Through this program, I have been able to challenge myself and expand my creativity beyond expectations by creating projects I was unaware I was capable of producing. Beyond the classes, the community at freestyle is amazing. The students are here to be themselves, express creativity through new dimensions and help one another become stronger. It is a very beautiful thing and I am beyond thankful to experience it as well as have been a part of it.
Outside of freestyle, you would find me in the pool swimming, playing water polo, hanging with family, going on adventures with friends, or going to the beach and soaking up the sun. I love finding new forms of art either expressed through fashion, buildings or pieces of artwork. Through my artwork, I hope to aspire a spark of curiosity and interest that constantly arises in me when I view art. I also love different bodies of water as well. Whether be in the ocean, pool, or lake, you can find me in the water swimming around and taking in the beauty of the waves, fishes and the water itself.
In my junior year at freestyle, I was able to expand my knowledge with the usage of many adobe applications to create illustrations, photos and videos that express my creativity. I was able to create many different types of projects but my favorite freestyle project so far has been my documentary project on arranged marriage for Albanian girls in both America and Montenegro. This project allowed myself to step out of my comfort zone, especially with my family, and dig into the roots of the stories that form the existence of who we are today. In order to design my 30 page spread, I used applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to complete a finished composition of my writing, photography, and digital illustrations. I’m happy with the outcome of this project because it reflects who not only the women in my family are but how they, the culture, and traditions have shaped me into the woman I am today.
Reflecting back on my experience at Freestyle, my final thoughts are it was an amazing two years that I wish I could relive. I learned how unlock my creative side and create artwork I never thought was possible. I also learned how to use various applications and technology in general that I am beyond grateful for. Aside from that, the community at Freestyle is one of the most welcoming, open, kind and supportive I have ever been apart of. Thanks to the community, I was able to make mistakes, grow from them and challenge myself without feeling hesitant. I believe Freestyle has influenced me to become more courageous and proud of myself. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Freestyle Academy and I am beyond grateful for that.
Below are my resume, letterhead, and business card outlines I created for future use for myself.
