We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shari Fairclough. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shari below.

Shari , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

Artificial Intelligence has made its way into the group chat. It seems that we have finally reached a point where machines are capable of performing tasks ten times faster than us. AI is undoubtedly exciting and intriguing, but it can also be unpredictable and intimidating. Earlier this year, the AI art generator gained popularity, with many people creating an AI version of themselves. As an artist, I was apprehensive about the possibility of it replacing designers. The idea of AI producing art much quicker than I could was daunting. However, I decided to join in on the trend and researched how AI could assist digital designers. It was fascinating to explore the various art styles and concepts that it could create. Ultimately, I found that incorporating AI into my design process made it stronger, improving my productivity, idea generation, and time management.

Numerous new AI programs are emerging, and I particularly enjoy using Chat GPT 3 for the brainstorming process. It has surpassed Google in searches, and it has only been around for less than three months. Living in the 2020s, we are witnessing technology evolving and changing at an unprecedented pace. Keeping up with these advancements can be overwhelming, but it is also exhilarating. As humans, we often fear what is new because it leads to the unknown. However, with technology taking over, there is a sense that we are not learning how to do things anymore and have become overly reliant on technology. Self-driving cars may become the norm in less than ten years.

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

I am a Graphic and UX Designer currently exploring the field of User Experience and Interface (UX/UI Design). My freelance design agency, Sunni Aesthetics, is a multimedia platform that specializes in Graphic Design, Video Editing, Web Design, User Interface, Illustrations, and Branding. I cater to Start-up Companies, Local Vendors, Artists, Social Media Influencers, and Individuals, creating visionary brand ideas that align with their authentic values and principles. I prioritize clear communication, sharp advocacy, smooth problem-solving, and support to bring my client’s vision to life.

From a young age, I had a passion for the arts but wasn’t certain of what to study in college. I worked as a Background Extra in movies and shows. My passion for film started growing. Eventually, I earned a Bachelor’s in Film & Media with a minor in French. I struggled to find non-union work in the industry, as a Production Assistant. I worked on Indies, and short films while working 2 jobs. I decided to go back to school to study graphic design. Although I attempted to balance classes and work, I failed to complete my Graphic Design program. However, my loved ones encouraged me to continue pursuing my dream of being a designer.

Eventually, I found work on a couple of non-union shows. Throughout my experience working as a Production Assistant, I learned the truth about the set life behind closed doors. Twelve-hour days are normal in the industry, and most people work for 14-16 hours. It was rough; I had no personal life, and I barely saw my friends and family. I decided that my mental health is more important than my career. My goal in film was to work as a graphic designer. After months of soul-searching, I decided to switch industries and work for start-ups and tech companies.

Leveraging my experience as a freelancer, I taught myself design using resources like YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, and Instagram. I used Instagram as a portfolio and expanded to other social media sites before creating my website. Throughout my journey, I’ve discovered new design trends, shortcuts, and styles. Working with my clients, I learned the importance of infusing character and personality into their brand. I strive to ensure my clients are satisfied with their brands, leaving them with a sense of personal connection and authenticity. Additionally, I emphasize the significance of maintaining a bright, happy, and luminous brand image to build customer loyalty, consistency, and clarity. Above all, I uphold the core principles of Integrity, Trustworthiness, Commitment, and Respect. Collaborating with my clients to bring their vision to life is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

Where do I start? The first time I heard about Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), I had to keep researching what they stood for. I was confused and had no idea what they were or how to pay for them. It was a whole new world to me, and I feel like the concept wasn’t explained or understood properly by many people. So, what exactly is an NFT? It’s a unique digital asset that’s stored on a blockchain, which is a decentralized, public ledger that records all transactions. NFTs are non-fungible, meaning they can’t be exchanged for something else of equal value. They’re often used to represent ownership of digital art, music, videos, and other creative works.

One of the most popular blockchain platforms used for NFTs is Ethereum. Using Ethereum’s smart contract technology, creators can mint their own NFTs and sell them on various marketplaces. When someone buys an NFT, they’re purchasing a unique and verifiable piece of digital content that can’t be replicated.
As an artist, I think NFTs are a fantastic opportunity to sell my work and protect it from being copied without permission. Since digital art is a relatively new form of art, NFTs provide a good way to document and preserve digital art pieces for future generations. Plus, they can be used in a variety of industries, from music to gaming, making them a versatile tool for creators.

But NFTs aren’t just limited to art and entertainment. They could also have implications in real estate, finance, and even voting systems. With blockchain technology, NFTs can provide a transparent and secure way to verify ownership and transfer of assets. While some may see NFTs as a silly concept, I believe they have a lot of potential for the future. With the rise of virtual and augmented reality, NFTs could be used to create immersive experiences in a variety of fields. For example, imagine walking through a virtual art gallery and being able to purchase the artwork as an NFT, which you can then display in your own virtual home.

Of course, there are pros and cons to buying traditional art versus NFTs. NFTs can’t be touched or felt like a physical painting, but they do offer the ability to buy and sell from anywhere in the world without the risk of damage during delivery. Ultimately, it depends on the preferences of the buyer. In conclusion, I think NFTs are an exciting and rapidly growing area of innovation in the digital world. While they may not be fully understood by everyone, I believe they have the potential to revolutionize the way we buy, sell, and protect digital content. As someone who is interested in creating art, I’m definitely keeping an eye on how NFTs continue to develop and shape the future of creativity.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Many of my friends say that I have a natural ambition and often ask me, “What inspires me? What gives me the drive?” I always strive to be the best version of myself and have learned from failing many times in life. My parents taught me to never give up, and I made a promise to myself to make them proud and be the best person I can be. As a Black woman in America, I know that society presents me with more challenges than others because I don’t fit the “narrative,” but I use these challenges as opportunities to try harder and learn new things. My ultimate goal is to help others express themselves visually and bring their visions to life. I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and being able to create a way for them to express themselves, their property, or their business is a bonus.

For my case study, I am in the process of designing the user interface for an app called Universal Art. This app allows users to view, sell, collect, or fundraise their digital and traditional art. Anyone can participate, including minors aged 16 and above. Artists can create their pieces via live streaming while viewers can place bids on the finished piece. Think of it as a social media platform for live-streamed art auctions. It’s a brilliant way for users who are interested in art to watch, learn new methods, network, and collaborate with each other, no matter where they live.

Live streams are interesting because you get to see an art piece created in real-time. Artists can discuss what gives them inspiration, share tips and tricks, and discuss topics. This helps viewers relate to someone who can express how they feel and see the drive to create something. Universal Art features traditional and digital art pieces ranging from NFTs, sketches, watercolor paintings, pottery, digital art, medieval art, and more.
In the future, my goal is to launch this app on Google Play or the App Store, and I am excited to see how it will help people express themselves visually.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sunniaesthetics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunniaesthetics/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sunniaestheticsmultimedia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-fairclough/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/sunniaesthetics