Skip links

DesignerIllustratorWeb DesignerNiji Lover

in California

learn more learn more

Introduction

Hi, I’m Shannon! I’m a freelance Creative Director, Brand Strategist, and Digital Designer based in Southern California. I have been a digital designer for 2 decades, the first decade as an internal employee and the second decade as a freelance consultant.

Beyond my professional work, I have a deep love for technology and art. I’m passionate about exploring the intersection where creative vision and technological tools meet. Emerging technologies like AI, paired with my digital design software, allow me to push the boundaries of what I had envisioned possible, tapping into a creative workflow that allows me to immerse in my love for both worlds in a way that works for me. 

Artist Statement

Art has always been my way of expressing emotions that words often struggle to capture. From a young age, drawing and writing poetry were my outlets, and that creative need has followed me throughout my life. My personal art blends Pop Surrealism, Lowbrow, and Punk influences, while my professional work in design has been largely corporate. Through my personal work, I explore the beauty of individuality, the human condition, and the stories that make us who we are.

For over 20 years, I’ve worked with digital design tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop professionally. However, in my personal self expression, the discovery of generative art in early 2022 sparked a creative revolution for me. Using Midjourney in combination with Adobe, I’ve found a workflow that seamlessly aligns with my love for technology and communication. AI, particularly Midjourney, isn’t just a tool—it’s a creative partner that has reignited my passion for baring my soul through art. My brain craves efficiency and precision, and these digital tools allow me to iterate, adjust, and perfect my work in a way that is true to an ADHD brain and keeping my creative flow uninterrupted.

Much of my art draws on nostalgic imagery, such as the big-eyed children I remember from the paintings in my maternal grandfather’s home. This imagery evokes a sense of comfort and complexity, linking back to my unconventional upbringing as a child of a schizophrenic. I was raised by my maternal grandmother and her second husband, in a home where religion was used as a crutch to mask deeper dysfunction. While I’ve developed a critical view of organized religion, particularly the born again christian faith in which I was raised, I remain fascinated by the opulence of Catholic iconography, which I encountered more subtly through my paternal grandparents. My devout catholic paternal grandmother, in particular, was a role model of kindness and unconditional love. When I became pregnant at 16 and was kicked out of my maternal grandparents home, she took me in. These contrasting experiences with faith and family deeply influence my work, especially in my use of religious iconography.

Emotion is central to everything I create. As someone with ADHD, I feel deeply and often absorb the emotions of those around me. While this sensitivity can be overwhelming, it’s also a gift. It fuels my art and allows me to create work that is empathetic, meaningful, and deeply personal. I believe every person is valid and beautiful, deserving to live free from judgment and persecution. This belief drives much of my work, particularly in my representation of African American and LGBTQIA+ communities. I’m dedicated to creating characters and narratives that reflect the diversity and beauty of humanity. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear someone say, “I feel seen” when they view my work.

As technology continues to evolve, I want to be a champion for its use in creative industries. Despite fears about AI, I believe it’s an opportunity rather than a threat. While I don’t use Midjourney in my corporate work, its impact on my personal art has been transformative, inspiring me and reigniting my creativity. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that AI has positively impacted my artistic process, allowing me to explore my creative side more deeply and fully. In that my corporate work has benefitted as well just by the expanded creativity I have experienced overall.

Ultimately, my goal is for every person who encounters my art to feel seen, safe, and respected. I want you to know that I accept you without question and love you for the uniqueness you bring into the world. People are beautiful in their differences, and my hope is that my work helps you recognize and celebrate that beauty within yourself.

Brands I've worked with

Personal Creative

Focusing purely on my personal creative pursuits, I've had the privilege of participating in the following live events and publications:

Medium
Year

Art Book Print

THE FUTURE OF ART: 115 Best Digital Artist of Our Generation

2024

Print Exhibition

Awita New York - November Exhibition

2024

Digital Exhibition

Day of The Dead Exhibition at Oculus, WTC

2024

Digital Exhibition

The Open Gallery (4 events)

2024

Print Magazine

Prompt Magazine

2024

Print Magazine

Warriors Within Magazine

2023

Print Magazine

Prompt Magazine

2023
This website uses cookies to improve your web experience.
Chat Icon
Explore
Drag