Indianapolis, Indiana – Liam Hargreaves is no stranger to pushing boundaries—both artistically and personally. As a multidisciplinary artist and Ivy Tech student, he’s found a way to blend creativity, responsibility, and ambition into something uniquely his own. Whether he’s designing characters in his personal collection or building visual concepts for a local institution, Hargreaves is quietly crafting a future defined by resilience and passion.
“Success comes to those who truly work hard,” Hargreaves said. It’s a message that echoes through his journey—one filled with starts and stops, new directions, and the eventual discovery of purpose.
Now 26, Hargreaves is pursuing a degree in visual communications at Ivy Tech, but his relationship with higher education didn’t start smoothly. He first attended college at just 16, a decision that proved premature at the time. The challenge of managing school and life led him to step back and explore alternative paths. He turned to the workforce, finding opportunities in creative spaces like museums and, more recently, the Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL). These environments nurtured his talents and introduced him to design work that would later form the foundation of his professional portfolio.
While some might see a break from education as a setback, for Hargreaves, it was an important recalibration. It gave him the freedom to experiment with different creative disciplines and taught him the importance of personal balance—a lesson he carries into his student life today.
When he decided to return to school, he didn’t take the choice lightly. He needed a college that could meet him where he was—professionally, financially, and personally. After considering several options and receiving recommendations from friends, he landed at Ivy Tech, drawn to its accessibility, affordability, and flexible schedule.
Once enrolled, Hargreaves found more than just classes; he found a support system. As an online student, he leans heavily on the tools Ivy Tech provides. From easy communication with instructors to guidance on assignments and time management, the resources have helped him navigate the demands of academia without sacrificing his work or personal life.
This balance is critical. Hargreaves isn’t just attending classes—he’s actively working as a part-time intern at IndyPL, where his talents in graphic design have been recognized and put to use. He’s even helped with the design of the library’s magazine, a role he landed simply by sharing that he was a student.
“I’ve been taking an art history class and it’s given me significant different perspectives on art, both through the evolution of art and different cultures,” Hargreaves said. “Actually, before doing this art history class, I was planning to go to Australia. One of my reasons was because I wanted to check out the Aboriginal art there and get a different perspective on art, culturally,” he continued. “But, both have given me a lot of skills on how to perceive art, but also have pushed me to want to explore different avenues of what art is.”
It’s clear that his time at Ivy Tech isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about transformation. Courses like art history have sparked curiosity beyond the classroom and pushed him to reimagine what art means to him. This intellectual curiosity fuels not just his academic work but his personal projects as well.
Outside of school and internships, Hargreaves continues to explore his own creative visions. He works closely with friends on “Castrella,” a collaborative narrative-building project that blends storytelling, design, and community engagement. Simultaneously, he’s developing his own character design series titled “Kreetchurs,” a playful yet purposeful expression of his passion for animation and visual storytelling.
All of this is driven by his larger career goal—to become a professional character designer. Every sketch, every internship task, and every late-night brainstorm session brings him one step closer. But even with such a clear focus, he remains open to growth. With plans to graduate in the fall of 2026, Hargreaves hasn’t ruled out transferring to a four-year college for further education.
“There are going to be people who are going to be much more critical of you, but for the most part, if you just put what you love into the work, people will enjoy it,” Hargreaves said.
That philosophy—doing what you love and sharing it unapologetically—is evident in everything he does. Whether he’s working on a public-facing design or a personal portfolio piece, there’s sincerity in his approach. It’s not just about the outcome; it’s about the process, the growth, and the message behind the work.
Hargreaves’ story mirrors the experience of many Ivy Tech students—non-traditional learners who juggle work, school, and personal responsibilities while striving toward meaningful goals. His journey highlights the importance of institutions that recognize these needs and offer support systems that go beyond the classroom.
As he moves forward, Hargreaves is building more than a career—he’s building a life that reflects his values: creativity, hard work, and balance. His story stands as a testament to the hidden effort and quiet strength so many students bring to their educational paths. In mastering his own balance, Liam Hargreaves is helping redefine what success looks like—one project, one class, and one design at a time.
