Meet Trailblazer Shakerra Monèt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakerra Monèt.

Shakerra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember, drawing and being creative has always been apart of who I am. My mom mostly instilled it in me to be crafty and to look outside the box. It wasn’t until I reached college, where I started to experiment with digital work. I had a professor who told the entire class, during our Senior Thesis prep, that we must learn how to create images digitally if we are going to make it in the fashion industry. At that point, I started learning the basics by hanging around my graphic design friends. After college, I pretty much just started watching YouTube videos and studying my peers do the exact thing as me. I eventually picked up my style of how I like to draw my portraits, although I still have way more to learn to perfect my craft to take it to another level.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, I would be lying if I said it was a smooth road. I’ve had periods of time where I would not draw anything. Due to not having anything creative or life would get in the way. Sometimes I would become frustrated with not getting the results I initially wanted. I always have a vision in my head of how I want my portraits to turn out. But during the creative process, I realize my first idea has now changed. But I always see that as positive because the final results are usually better.

I am still young and learning myself, but the advice I would give to others that are starting is to keep going. There have been many times where I wanted to give up and not continue. But in the end, when I feel like I am not in the right headspace to create, is when I create my most magical pieces. Also, always be willing and open to learning new things to grow, which I am learning myself each and every day.

Tell us about your work – what should we know?
I am a digital artist that creates colorful and expressive portraits. I love the beauty of black and brown people, which I include in all of my portraits. I create pieces of work that put a positive spotlight on the black and brown community. As of now, I think I am known as the artist that crosses the eyes out on the people I have drawn. Also, for the pop of color that I use in my work. I am asked a lot why I cross the eyes out and for me, it was to make the portraits less personable. So crossing out the eye became more of a stylistic feature for my work. When people look at my art I want them to envision who they believe I have drawn.

What I am most proud of is the fact my work has evolved and people are now starting to notice me, which is really cool.

I think what sets me apart from others is the vivid colors I use in my art.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mother because I’ve gotten a lot of my creative ability from her and also her strength is unmatched.

Black and brown women inspire me every day, we are magical and a source of inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.smonetillustrations.com
• Email: smonetart@gmail.com
• Instagram: S.Monet_Art

Image Credit:
All work and rights belong to S. Monét (Beginning Top Left (I will add description so the correct name goes to the right picture, but NO need to add for the final layout of the article): Duo (Little Girl), Sherbet (Man with popsicle), Nirvana (Double Female), New Moon (Rihanna), Calm (Man with Piercings), Magdalene (FKA twigs, snakes).

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.