Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Shaw.
Cindy, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
When I was young, I didn’t realize that creative jobs existed. I always loved drawing and technology, so when I finally found graphic design, it was like I found my glass slipper. Even after that, I felt stuck between my affinity for both cutesy stuff and clean minimalism. Struggling to find a balance, I looked for something new.
I moved to the DFW area in 2017, after 20-some years in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a job designing trendy scrapbooking products. Being forced to draw fun things has given me the momentum and reflexes to create fun things for myself. It feels like I have a new hobby every week, but I’m having a great time experimenting with my creativity, and I hope people can enjoy the process with me!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am a graphic designer and illustrator that loves to create tangible items. I spend most of my free time on my shop, where I sell illustrated enamel pins, stickers, greeting cards, and other goodies. Taking designs away from the screen is really important to me – it’s so fun to watch how a little trinket can light up someone’s day.
My style is all about bold lines, cute things, and puns. None of it means anything super deep, but that’s what I enjoy most about it. It’s important not to take life too seriously (which I always do), so my ultimate focus is to give people a happy little outlet, including myself.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
Success = Progress. I don’t like to pinpoint specifics when I think about success, because you never know what will happen. It’s important not to let yourself feel like a failure or fraud for no reason. Goals change, circumstances change, art styles change, and that’s totally okay. As long as you are growing and learning, then you are doing just fine.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Definitely find me on Instagram! My online shop is always open, but I’ve also started doing some local events like Decent Market and the Dallas Pin & Patch Show. It was tough to start showing my stuff to real live people, but now I’m always looking for new projects, events, and collaborations!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cindyyshaw.com
- Email: cindyyshaw@gmail.com
- Instagram: @cindyyshaw
- Other: cindyyshaw.etsy.com
Image Credit:
Cindy Y. Shaw
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