Meet Shamaria Rankin | Artist/Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shamaria Rankin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shamaria, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’d say the idea started probably over 10 years ago when I had my first art class at Elementry School. From then on, I attended a college of Fine Arts, while not really sure if this would result in a job, I was more so excited to experiment through various mediums (clay, fiber arts, photography, and digital arts). After graduating with my degree, I suddenly stopped creating due to burnout from the last few weeks prior to graduation. It wasn’t until 2020, that I picked up a sketchbook and painted again due to the extra time I had. During this time, I would watch a few Illustrators on Youtube that I came to admire (Applecheeks, & Annika’s Leaf to name a few) who sparked the idea that I could also start an art business. From there, I purchased Photoshop & the Cricut machine to help with making my first few sticker ideas. Once I had enough stock, I opened my first Esty shop called Shimscreations. My Friends and Family are my biggest supporters that encourage me to keep going. My art style stems from my love for animation with an anime influence. While it is currently something part-time, It really makes my inner child happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Shimscreations is a sticker business that has recently branched out to also create polymer clay earrings & art prints. My art style is a mix of “kawaii” or “cute” with an Anime/Manga influence. My art is expressed through various bright colors, animals, food, and currently cute little mushroom people. The first few sticker ideas started with video game characters and Halloween-inspired items. I purchased a pencil for my PC and through various YouTube videos and tutorials, I was able to create and render a few sticker designs from my drawings. While at the time I felt that the drawings weren’t at the level I wanted them to be due to my limited knowledge of photoshop, I knew I needed to try another alternative. I noticed through browsing TikTok of another artist purchasing an iPad and using a program called Procreate. That’s when I knew I had to purchase one, to not only have more ability to draw from anywhere but by using a more user-friendly program. This of course didn’t mean that I wouldn’t stumble upon other issues that would arise. I also had to learn that creating the design for stickers is one thing but printing them in-house was an entirely different story.

I probably went through two packs of various sticker paper brands until I found the one that worked for me. Up until now, I also had to upgrade my printer at least three times until I found a printer that would not only be cost-effective but also eco-friendly due to the amount of ink that was previously wasted. One thing I will say is that I would not trade this experience for the world as it was needed for me to go through various trials to find a process that worked for me. Since then, I have also outsourced my artwork to be printed while also at times printing them at home when an immediate stock was needed before a shop update. The experience so far has had its ups and downs, but I feel it helps you stay humble and remember why I started my business.

Being now in my 30s, I did feel some resistance that I may have been too late in starting my own business, however starting it made me feel like now more than ever I want to protect my inner child. My main goal is to inspire others on bringing out their inner child. I feel that while I am still new on this journey, it has certainly not been an easy one, however, it reminds you that having a community and support system is so important. I even remember that there were months when I didn’t have a single order which caused me to shut my shop down and take a break altogether. I am very thankful that I could take a break even for a little while to remember that success is not linear and there will be bumps in the road. I think the most important thing I learned is to be kind to yourself, listen to your body when it needs to rest, and start again fresh the next day.

I am so so proud of taking the leap and starting my business of what was once started just as a hobby.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start the week off by taking them to down to Denver Biscuit company that makes these really delicious southern-style biscuits (Franklin is one of my favorite dishes!). I would also recommend them to branch out and explore some great Vegetarian restaurants such as CityOCity/Watercourse. It was one of the first places I tried and can be great for breakfast or dinner! They also feature artists’ works and use local produce whenever they can. I also can’t forget the hiking trails that can provide a little break from the city to Cherry Creek State Park or further out to Mount Falcon Park. The best times are during the summer for Cherry Creek State Park as they also have a part of the park where I could take them to swim. I would also go places that I haven’t explored yet and walk downtown and rent bikes. Then, walk around to the Milk Market which has various local shops inside, and is also great to look at the beautiful work in the alleyway (especially around evening/night). I’ll also provide a list of other activities below:

1. Attend a concert or participate in Yoga at the Red Rocks 2. Attend the Denver Art Museum & Denver Art, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, or Meow Wolf Denver 3. Try local food at the Farmers Market on Pearl Street (on Sundays) 4. Release their inner child at 1 Up or Dave & Buster’s 5. Denver Night Markets to help support local artists 6. Paint n Sip

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Family & Friends have been my biggest support system every step of the way! Thank you also to the artists I have met so far has been nothing but kind and so amazing. Thank you also to my professors who believed in me and inspire me every day. I am forever grateful!!

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShimsCreations

Instagram: Shimscreations

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Other: TikTok: Shimscreations