Today we’d like to introduce you to Symone Hines.
Symone, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been creative since I was a young girl, drawing janky rainbows and people with potato-shaped bodies and stick legs (I promise I’m much better now, lol). I was fortunate to have grown up in an artistically inclined family who are unbelievably supportive in everything that I do. Watching my siblings draw and create is truly what initially inspired me to give this art thing a try. In junior high, I started my first business by the name of “Hiney Creations” where I made jewelry, hand-sewn purses made out of jeans, drawings, etc. which continued well into high school.
My senior year of high school was really hectic and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. I was dead set on not attending college but my mother was adamant that I was going to go, so I applied at a few universities (last minute I might add). Over time, I started to become more comfortable with the idea of going to school, but I still wasn’t sure what I would even major in. I wanted to study Fine Art, but I was discouraged and told repeatedly that art was not a sustainable career choice. I also had an interest in skin due to my struggles with eczema, so I briefly considered Pre Med to go into Dermatology. I knew that I would make a ton of money going the Pre Med route, but it wasn’t my passion, so I said to myself “art it is” and never looked back. I got acceptance letters from SCAD, UNT, and St. Mary’s University but ultimately decided on attending UNT. Here’s why: they had a really good Comm. Design program, my mother attended the same university, it was close, all of my friends from high school were attending, and it was the least expensive of the three. Once I got there, I quickly realized that 1000%, I made the right decision. The number of creatives that I had the pleasure of sharing a space with was absolutely insane. I was surrounded by singers, dancers, poets, painters, graphic, fashion, and interior designers on a daily basis, all of whom got my creative juices flowing.
I got into the Communication Design program and stuck it out for two years before switching to Interdisciplinary Studies of Art and Design | Marketing. Around the same time, I did my very first art show called “Sugar and Art Fashion Show” and boy was that rollercoaster of emotions; to say I was discouraged is an understatement. I overheard several people saying rather negative things regarding my work and I began to doubt myself and my abilities. I decided to take a hiatus from doing shows and focused my energy on other creative outlets and spent time perfecting my craft until I felt that it was good enough to be seen. During my hiatus, I took what I learned in my graphic design courses and decided to start a “clothing line” by the name of “Ampersand” where I designed graphic tees, hand-painted shoes, revamped shorts, jeans, and denim jackets. I chose the name “Ampersand” due to my deep appreciation for typography and more specifically the “&” symbol. Drawing inspiration from myself, the symbols unique qualities and its ability to constantly evolve and transform attracted me to it and I still incorporate it as a part of my signature today.
Upon graduating in 2015, I finally started to do art shows again and began to gain recognition and rebranded myself as “Symone Amantha”, which is simply my first and middle name. Since then, I have been continuing to grow in art by trying out new techniques and mediums to create depth in my work. I have been fortunate enough to participate in many different shows from Ladies N Art Show to Pancakes and Booze, which has been truly inspiring and beneficial to my work. Creating things has always been something that has comforted me and allowed me to constructively work through my emotions (good and bad). There is still sooooo much to learn and accomplish but I am excited about the journey. I’m not finished yet!
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not, the road has been bumpy, to say the least. My main personal struggle is lacking the motivation to create and being consistent. Don’t get me wrong, I love being creative but some days, I’m just not feeling it and I get into a funk. In the past, I really struggled with comparing myself to other creatives. I used to see other artists who I thought were better than that of myself getting more recognition and I spent a lot of time doubting myself and my God-given talent. I quickly learned that everyone is on their own journey, and I now use that energy as fuel to simply be a better artist according to my own standards.
Tell us about your business. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
My brand consists of all things creative; I consider myself as a multifaceted artist, I do a little bit of everything. I specialize in painting, drawing, graphic design and microblading but I also possess the ability to photograph, sew, craft, knit, crochet and much more. I am mostly known for my portraits and my ability to capture the essence of the subject. Sure, a picture can capture the “perfect image”, but when I paint, a piece of me and my personality will forever be woven into that piece of work. In the words of Oscar Wilde. “Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter.” I draw inspiration from everyday life, and experiences and my work varies from popular culture, and more recently abstract and takes a critical view of social, political or cultural issues.
I’m proud of my brand because I get to share something that I’m deeply passionate about with so many people whether it be online or in person. There’s no better feeling than when someone talks to me about how they felt a connection to my piece. My two most recent paintings “Destruction” and “Blood on the Leaves” have evoked such strong emotions from viewers that I wasn’t necessarily expecting. It’s honestly so amazing that something that I created with my own two hands has such power.
What sets me apart is my versatility in my ability to switch between portraits, abstract, surrealism, etc. I do what I feel at the time and don’t feel pressured to abide by anyone’s’ rules or stress myself out that my body of work doesn’t have a set “style” or “theme.” Screw that, I do what I want. I’m the artist.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like that Dallas has so many different people and cultures and I particularly like to hang around Deep Ellum because it’s a little more rugged. The one and only thing that I dislike about Dallas is the traffic. Something that takes 20 mins to do, can turn into an hour very quickly.
Pricing:
- Current and Commissioned Works range from small sizing $40 – large pieces up to $1000+
- Logo Design | Illustration: $150 minimum (depends on intricacy + time)
- Microblading $175- $200
Contact Info:
- Website: www.symoneamantha.com
- Email: symoneamantha@gmail.com
- Instagram: @symoneamantha (personal page)
- Instagram: @artbaesymone (art page)
- Instagram: @archangeldfw (microblading page)
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
