We were lucky to catch up with Shaylin Wallace recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shaylin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
The first time I received my first commission was my senior year of high school. I started being a freelance artist/graphic designer. I designed a book cover, front and back for an author. It was a very interesting experience since I never really made anything for someone else, let alone get paid to make artwork for someone else. I felt very nervous and under pressure to make sure I brung my clients idea to life.
Shaylin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Shaylin Wallace “Shay the Surrealist, and I’m a surreal digital artist and graphic designer from Wilmington, Delaware. I specialize in photo-manipulation and stock ordinary stock images and create extraordinary compositions. My artworks are very surreal and fantasy-based, but also be very minimalistic as well. I love to incorporate human figures with elements from nature, such as birds, trees, and smoke to symbolize different emotions in my artwork.
As a freelance artist, I specialize in creating custom artwork for my clients to help promote their business and/or product. Also, I partner with many different brands/companies that want to highlight me and my creative style as an artist. I’ve partnered with Adobe, Mercedes-Benz, Netflix, AMC, Warner Bros and more. One of my recent partnerships was with Mercedes-Benz and I created three pieces of artwork that involved their electric car, the EQS. I was able to come up with my own ideas for the artwork and receive helpful feedback from the companies team when needed. My favorite thing about this project is how they highlighted me as an artist and my journey and created two videos that they posted on their social media accounts.
What sets me a part from other artists is my style and how I have multiple unique styles. Although I create surrealistic pieces, I also draw digitally and create abstract, colorful artwork as well. Also, my creative ideas set me a part and make people want to work/collaborate with me for projects. I’m quick to brainstorm multiple ideas that my clients have never considered and I believe that is one of my strengths as an artist.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is being able to bring my imaginative ideas to life. It’s very satisfying and exciting to visualize something in your head and being able to create using a medium of your choice. Making art gives me such a nostalgic feeling as if I’m still a little kid making artwork.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
A particular goal or mission that drives my creative journey is to inspire other artist/creatives, young and older to follow their dreams and to pursue their passions. I know many of us go through imposter syndrome or even decide to not pursue our passions due to not thinking it’s tangible or will create a sustainable living. I know many people look up to me know, despite me only being 23 years old. The impact I made in the art community has made many people realize that their dreams are attainable and that it’s okay to bet on yourself and take that leap of faith. I started my journey as an artist very young and realized that I wanted to be an artist since I was eight years old. Not knowing what medium I would choose or which path I would go, I knew in my heart and soul that I wanted to be an artist. Also, when it comes to sharing my journey as an artist to my community, I’m very transparent about the hurdles I faced and the struggles I’ve faced to get to where I am today. What I always try to tell people when giving advice, especially to artist is that their time will come and that there’s room enough for everyone to shine. We all have our own paths to walk and all of our journeys are unique, so they must remember to not compare and to stay focused and believe in oneself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smwvisuals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smwallday/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaylinwallace/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/surrealistshay
Image Credits
My portrait (IMG_2273) – Photographer: Emmanuel Porquin