Raised across California, Oklahoma, and Missouri, he cultivated his unique perspective. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art, Alan spent a year as an AmeriCorps volunteer, offering valuable support to English classrooms on the West Side of Chicago. Subsequently, he dedicated two fulfilling years to teaching English in South Korea before returning to the United States to pursue his Master's degree in English. Since completing his Master's program in 2018, Alan has made Osaka, Japan, his home, where he continues to draw inspiration from the local culture and surroundings for his creative pursuits.