We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shammah McVay a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shammah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In the world of Enongo, I joined an amazing project that embodies creativity, diversity, and resilience. A groundbreaking feature-length film driven by the beats of Enongo aka Sammus, a first-generation African American on a quest for a Ph.D. while touring as a rapper. Our protagonist, embodies the fusion of intellect and artistic passion.

What sets this project apart is not just the compelling narrative but the groundbreaking team behind it. We proudly stand as the first-ever fully black female animation team, breaking barriers and rewriting the norms of the industry. As both an animator and associate producer on the project, my journey with Enongo began in 2019. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, our team’s dedication has propelled us closer towards the finish line.

Navigating through adversity, like the disruptive waves of Covid, has only strengthened our resolve. Collaborating with passionate artists, we’ve crafted a narrative that not only entertain and move the viewer but also paves the way for a more inclusive future in animation. Enongo is not just a film; it’s a testament to the power of diverse voices coming together to create something truly historic and awe inspiring.

Shammah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Shammah McVay, a 30-year-old artist from Cleveland, Ohio. Art has been my passion since childhood, sparked by the realization that people could actually make a living from it while watching Pokémon. I started recreating characters from the shows I watched (like Naruto) and soon found myself on an artistic journey.

Although I initially focused on animation and studied at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio, my journey took an unexpected turn. These days, I’m recognized for crafting dynamic and enjoyable character designs. My goal is simple: create stories that reflect who I am and captivate those who experience them. I primarily work freelance on projects which gives me the flexibility to experience a wide range of stories.

Beyond the art world, I stay active with working out by hitting the gym or practicing various martial arts. I have two dogs, Milo and Kida, who add joy to my life. I’m a sucker for retro anime like Ranma 1/2 and Diebuster and the futuristic vibes of future funk/city pop aesthetics. Connecting with the artist community is important to me—I try to share advice with the younger generation through doing talks and offer feedback on art on platforms like Twitch. For me, it’s about shaping narratives and leaving a lasting impact on the artistic landscape.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Navigating the creative journey has been a exciting exploration of self for me. Growing up, I was always the artistic kid in school settings, but entering art college unveiled a sea of kindred spirits with similar origin stories. Yet, what non-creatives might not grasp is the ongoing battle with mental health that accompanies this path.

Confronting my ADHD head-on became a key part of my creative journey. Using art as a coping mechanism prior, I soon discovered that wasn’t going to cut it if I was going to make this my full time career. My misconception that sheer determination could overcome any obstacle, like a Shonen protagonist, was completely shattered. In the demanding world of art, where deadlines are getting shorter and shorter, I realized the importance of acknowledging my own mental health struggles. It’s a journey that I continue with, marked by the understanding that pushing through isn’t necessarily the answer.

Learning from experience, I advocate for self-care, especially in the face of potential burnout. In an industry where things keep going forward whether you like it or not, seeking support from friends or, even better, a therapist, is not a sign of weakness but a crucial act of self-preservation. Reflecting on my own path, I wish I had sought out help earlier in my career, understanding that having support doesn’t disregard one’s autonomy as an adult—it strengthens it. Prioritizing mental health is not just a luxury but a necessity on the artistic journey, ensuring longevity, resilience, and to sustain yourself as a creative.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My artistic goal is a nostalgic journey to recreate the magic of my youth, where TV shows not only glued me to the screen every week but also prompted profound self-reflection, shaping the person who I am today. Currently immersed in crafting stories and characters that evoke those captivating feelings, my aim goes beyond mere nostalgia; it extends into creating a diverse narrative.

Diversity in my work is not a checkbox but a genuine reflection of the world as I perceive it. I aspire to capture the richness and complexity of the reality around me, creating my stories with characters and experiences that resonate authentically. It’s about crafting narratives that not only mirror my own journey but also echo the diverse stories that enrich our shared human experience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @shashestar
• Twitter: @shashestar
• Other: Twitch is chamahdraws