Longwood University animation and graphic design student Joshua Baker isn’t letting his visual impairment stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a storyboard artist — one that was inspired by his draw to cartoons as a child.

Baker, a 20-year-old Amelia County native, has a vision impairment called ocular albinism with nystagmus.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “ocular albinism is a genetic condition that primarily affects the eyes. This condition reduces the coloring [pigmentation] of the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, and the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Pigmentation in the eye is essential for normal vision.”

Nystagmus is typically associated with ocular albinism and characterized by rapid, involuntary eye movements.

Baker said ever since he was a child, he enjoyed watching cartoons on TV. “I wanted to make things like that,” he said.

As he grew up, Baker’s inspiration for graphics and animation became prevalent. “I sat there and drew almost every day,” he said.

Ultimately, he said he decided he wanted to pursue the career, which attracted Baker to Longwood.

He said the university was the perfect fit for him because the professors take the time to get to know the students and it affords a much more personal learning experience.

“He’s an excellent student,” said animation professor Amanda Christensen. “[He’s] very dedicated and hardworking.” She said Baker has a bright future ahead of him.

Some of challenges Baker has faced with his vision impairment include attempting to portray images realistically and getting his artistic form right. “I’ve had to practice a lot more,” he said. Baker also mentioned that in a lot of his work, he tends to focus on exaggerated portions.

He said he spends extra time working on projects.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, ocular albinism affects 1 in 60,000 males. The signs and symptoms are significantly less in females.

“I want to graduate and get a job in storyboard art,” Baker said. He also has interest in 3D art.