We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shannon Irwin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shannon below.
Hi Shannon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I have been painting for over 20 years when about 10 years ago I had someone mention an art licensing opportunity. Honestly I had never really ever heard that term but after some extensive research I realized how much opportunity was out there to create work for Wall art designs!! Whether it was putting my designs on textiles, greeting cards, and or making art prints. My first bit of this was through fine art America. They specialize in wall art and decor. I got myself a linked in page and started researching different types of art licenses and artists who inspired me and who they worked with. With the help of some pretty amazing people in this industry I discovered the need for editing digitally through procreate and photoshop. I took a few courses online on digital and pixel editing. I also researched art licensing calendars to help me stay organized. Styles and trends change all the time and I guess that’s why it’s so much fun bc you never can get bored. Next up I started designing on redbubble, society6, contrado and spoonflower. I am still and learning this business and building my brand every day.
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?
I am a Louisville Kentucky native mama of three. Hairstylist for over 20 years. Acrylic, watercolor and mixed media art are my area of interest. I create original paintings for clients interiors, corporate, healthcare and gallery art. The Kentucky derby is a big event in our town so I do a lot of whimsical abstract derby artworks. With the help of print on demand I can put my work on so many different decor items and gifts for people. One of the first things I do when creating works for a home and or office is find out there style and go through lots of visuals to give me an idea of what the vibe will be. Usually a color scheme and create sketches of different styles to let them choose from. My art is the statement piece and I want it to flow with there space. I remember the first time I saw my artwork on a pillow, and got my first wall paper samples back and I just cried. It was literally a dream come true.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
That’s easy!!!! Creating things that bring people joy!!! Every artist has there own style when people start responding to your work positively it is an amazing feeling. We are not alone out here, even if you are not everyone cup of tea, I believe your people will find you.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
As for NFTs I really don’t participate with them. I like creating and selling originals and prints to people. I have followers on IG reach out all the time about wanting to purchase my work as an nft even when it clearly stated I do not do these on my pages! I figure if you like it so much then purchase an original or a print!! Why complicate things, this world can be complicated enough. Let me make you something beautiful. That’s my motto.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.singulart.com/en/artist/shannon-irwin-36781
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opalandthesun_art?igsh=YnZvZmMxc2l2OHRq&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/OpalandthesunLLC/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-irwin-27038a96?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shannonirwinart
- Other: https://tr.ee/LmYweDcblI https://pixels.com/profiles/1-shannon-irwin https://www.redbubble.com/i/art-print/Aurora-by-sirwin1899/82750135.1G4ZT https://design.greatamericanart.com/search?q=PTL-173-4896-img_6216&sort=popular https://www.tiktok.com/discover/Shannon-irwin https://youtube.com/@shannonirwin-wi9gb?feature=shared