Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shanah Leaf. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shanah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I have always loved creating, and throughout my life, people close to me would affirm that I had a gifting in visual arts. I wanted to learn to communicate visually and to be able to transform a space with mark making. After studying visual arts at UCCS, and staring my career in education, I began to seek out walls as canvases at any small business, church, or community space that would have me. I’ve created at Axe throwing alleys, restaurants, small businesses, schools, homes, and churches.
Most of my jobs have come through word-of-mouth, which has kept the mural jobs coming at a balance-able pace with my art teaching job and personal life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My Dad is an art teacher and my biggest encourager to pursue a career in the arts. Teaching art at the middle school level is purposeful, but when I have the opportunity to create (for myself and others) it is life-giving to me.
Murals are my favorite form of creating because they have the ability to transform the way a space makes you feel.
I have done many logo murals for businesses and CrossFit gyms. I have created illustrative and abstract murals at schools and churches.
I also create custom canvas paintings based on my clients vision.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I first started showing in galleries around Colorado Springs, I wasn’t having a lot of success in selling my paintings. I didn’t want to lower the price of my work because it felt reasonable for the e mount of hours I was putting in. I decided to start making prints of my work and selling them for a fraction of the cost of my paintings and this helped me immensely in sales.
I am still learning my audience as I create graphic illustrative work specifically of women of color, and navigating what kind of product is most accessible.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My first job out of college was as a kindergarten teacher. I quickly learned that I had no extra time or energy for myself to create or even think about being creative. I decided I didn’t want to ever teach again, unless it was ART! I am now in my 5th year of education as an art teacher.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/shanahrella
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shanahrella?mibextid=JRoKGi

Image Credits
Image of Shanah Leaf: by Megan McBroom All other images owned by Shanah Leaf