We were lucky to catch up with Shanesha Brooks recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shanesha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on involved commemorating loved ones through digital art portrait blending. I use multiple photos from different eras as references—’80s, ’90s, and present—and transform them into a modern, cohesive image. A standout project was a four-generation piece featuring a great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and her toddler daughter. Despite never having met physically, the great-grandmother and the toddler were brought together in this artwork.

This project is particularly special because the great-grandmother in this piece was my grandmother. She lived across the country and had limited mobility, so we didn’t see each other often. However, she was able to see the completed portrait before she passed away, making the project incredibly meaningful since she was able to see my work as an artist, and she loved it. Piecing these four images together into a family photo that looked like it had always existed was challenging and rewarding. It allowed me to bridge generational gaps and create a lasting memory for my family, showcasing the power of digital art and technology in preserving our most cherished relationships.

I have many other meaningful projects, but this one stands out as a particularly special example.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Shanesha, but in the art world, I go by SB. I create wall art and mini e-coloring books using digital tools, primarily Procreate on my iPad. My art is a “Reflection of YOU,” celebrating individuality and culture, with a special focus on Black culture and pop culture.

What makes my work unique is my distinctive approach to digital art and portraiture. I offer custom pieces for clients, including memorable portraits as gifts, commemorative works, and collaborations for book covers, merchandise, album covers, and more. With my social worker, educator, mental health professional, and creative background, I bring a deep understanding of storytelling and emotional depth to my art, creating pieces that truly resonate and move people.

A signature feature of my art is depicting subjects without visible eyes. This choice encourages viewers to focus on other features and details, inviting them to explore the artwork’s deeper narrative and interpret the muse’s stories in innovative ways. I also recreate iconic pop culture images and sketches, and I enjoy painting abstract pieces for fun, which sometimes get featured in galleries or art shows.

What sets me apart is my commitment to making art accessible and affordable. I maintain transparent communication with my clients, working within their budgets while ensuring high-quality results that capture their vision. I’m proud of the risks I’ve taken over the past two years and the growth I’ve achieved. Looking ahead, I plan to expand into stationery, creating personalized, handcrafted notebooks just for you.

For those new to my work, my art is not just about creating beautiful images; it’s about offering a fresh perspective and celebrating diverse stories and cultures meaningfully. My dedication to quality, innovation, and accessibility sets me apart, and I am excited to share my creative journey with you.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

There are many impactful ways society can support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem. One of the simplest yet most effective ways is by actively following and engaging with smaller art pages and creatives. Even if you don’t make a purchase, showing support through a follow or a like can make a significant difference. In an era where social media often prioritizes more prominent artists and businesses with 100,000+ followers, smaller creators can easily get overshadowed.

Sharing artwork that resonates with you can also have a profound impact. By amplifying a smaller or local artist’s work, you help them reach a broader audience and attract new customers or clients. This kind of grassroots support helps level the playing field and fosters a more inclusive and diverse creative community.

Beyond engagement, investing in artists and their resources is important. Financial support through purchases, commissions, or donations helps sustain their practice and allows them to access essential tools and materials to keep their business thriving. Investing in their development through workshops, mentorships, and other resources also nurtures their growth and innovation.

Ultimately, supporting artists goes beyond simple acknowledgment—it’s about actively investing in their craft and helping them thrive. This ensures the creative ecosystem remains vibrant, diverse, and sustainable.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Reflecting on my creative journey, I realize there are several resources I wish I had discovered earlier.

One significant resource is artistic grants. These grants are often unrestricted and can really bring an artist’s creative visions and projects to life. They offer the financial support needed to start or advance artistic endeavors, which can be used to grow creative techniques and explore new possibilities.

Following local gallery pages for calls to artists is a great way to stay informed about opportunities and showcase your work. These calls can open doors to exhibitions and networking opportunities that might be missed.

Another resource that would have been incredibly beneficial is business courses! For example, the Dream Builder program with ASU is a free resource for developing a complete business plan, organizing your ideas, and strategizing for business growth. It also provides tips for finding and reaching your ideal clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soulificartwork.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulificartwork
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulifcartwork
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Image Credit: Jalyssa Richardson (@xojalyssa) and Taylor Johnson (@herinspiredeyes)