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

Suqura, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I’d like to think that I was born an artist. I knew that I could turn my passion into a profession if I found my purpose and my niche. Painting my first mural in high school was a huge moment for me because I realized the impact I could make on so many people without saying a word. I challenged myself and perfected my technique through self-directed learning.

Over time, I discovered that I like painting portraits because you never forget faces. I did many custom paintings of people and pets for close friends and colleagues. I also donated some pieces to local non profit organizations.

In 2019, I decided to officially start my own art business, Suqura Shannon Fine Art. I wanted to use my gift to create something personal and make an impact on others. Little did I know that this was the perfect time.

Towards the end of 2019 and all of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic took us all to very dark and uncertain time. I was on furlough for months, in an unhealthy relationship, lost loved ones, and I was simply trying to survive. Painting and sharing my work on social media got me through those tough times.

I did paintings of loved ones and friends that had passed on and donated them to their families. I would simply post my work on social media and eventually got a lot requests for custom paintings.

With my realistic art style, it’s almost as if your loved one is looking right at you. There’s something about the eyes or a smile that tell a story. My goal with every painting is to truly capture the essence of that person using my attention to detail: a beauty mark, dimples, a chipped tooth, glasses, tattoos. I capture it all because there is a story that ties to all of that. It captivates you and brings you back to special moments in time, long after they are gone. This is what brings my clients peace when they have a lost a loved one, or joy when they give someone a portrait painting for a birthday gift.

After being in business for a few years, I have clients nationwide (Texas, Alabama, Florida, New York to name a few) who trust me to bring their visions to life and I am forever grateful for this gift.

Suqura, 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?

I am a self taught portrait painter based in Houston, Texas. I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, however, Houston has been my home for the last 6 years. I specialize in using acrylic paint on canvas to create realistic portraits of people and pets. Most of my business is commission based (custom artwork). Other services that I provide upon request are charcoal drawings, logo designs and digital artwork.

I’ve been drawing and painting ever since I was a little girl. I never went to an art school, I actually got my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of North Florida. Drawing and painting just came easy to me like breathing. Art was always an outlet for me during difficult times, and a way for me to express how I was feeling, even if I couldn’t verbalize it. With self directed learning, I perfected my craft. With time and experience, I found my purpose.

I have a genuine interest in helping others through my art. Most of my clients request paintings of loved ones that they have lost or paintings of a loved one to present as a gift. I am known for my attention to detail and technique that creates depth, lighting, and texture to create a realistic effect.

Before ever touching a canvas, I schedule a consultation via phone or email to get acquainted with my clients, discuss their vision, review reference photos, and establish realistic expectations. I like to uncover the story and purpose behind the painting. I also ask a lot of questions about the subject (person or pet) that they wish for me to paint so that I can capture their/its essence. Through these personal connections, each client has a unique experience, a sense of ownership and I become a better artist with every painting.

This consultative approach allows me to create special moments that make a lasting impact on others. For example, one of my clients gave birth to her son after her mom passed away. Sadly, her mom never got to meet her grandson. However, I was able to create this moment where her mom is holding her grandson in her arms with a smile. This is a moment and a painting that my client and her family will cherish forever.

This is why I love what I do.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

When I realized that more and more people were asking about and willing to pay for my services, I was compelled to learn about the business side of my art.

I invested the money I made from my full time job into my art business. Furthermore, I took the profit I made from commissions and put it back into my business. It covered my website hosting, paint, canvases, brushes, easels, shipping supplies, stationary, etc.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Communication is huge for brand loyalty. I’ve earned several repeat customers and referrals by being transparent and keeping the lines of communication open throughout the entire process.

Every client has a free consultation to discuss the purpose of the painting, their vision, review reference photos and establish realistic expectations.

I send photo updates of the process from start to finish. Initially, every client receives a rough sketch of the painting to make sure we are on the same page with what we discussed. Changes are implemented at their request at this time. Then I send over a more detailed sketch that must be approved by them before I start painting. That way, if further revisions are necessary, I can take care of it before I start painting.

Once I start painting, I send updates of how the painting is going and request their feedback: good and bad so that I can make revisions. (For example: is the skin tone too light/dark? do you like the background color?) Sometimes I’ll even send photos of samples of colors I have in mind to see if they like them, etc. My clients are usually pretty excited about this process as they get to see everything happening in real time, and it gives them a sense of ownership in the creation of the artwork. I also work full time running a clinic so while I try to stick to deadlines, if there’s any delays, I’m up front about that as well.

After the painting is delivered, I always follow up with my clients after their purchase to ensure they are happy with the artwork. I also send a thank you card with a coupon as a token of appreciation to use towards their next purchase.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://suqurashannon.com
• Instagram: @suquratheartist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suquratheartist/?ref=py_c
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suqura-shannon-62b550123/

Image Credits
Suqura Shannon