Today we’d like to introduce you to Shley.
Hi Shley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello, I am Shley! I am a 36-year-old artist born and living in Salt Lake City, Utah. I am a third-generation sign-painter and muralist. I grew up running around my family’s sign shop, Schmidt Signs (now closed.) From a very young age, I was drawn to art and painting. When I was a child, I was a super hyper-active kid. My mom tried so many things to get me to calm down and sit for a while. When she finally put art supplies out for me, I stayed in one place for many hours drawing and painting. When she realized that she had finally found something that made me stay put, she nurtured this activity into adulthood. I started painting seriously around 16 and truly never stopped. It is the one thing in my life that makes me feel the most in control of myself and my reality; it is the thing that keeps me alive.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There have definitely been challenges along the way. Being an artist is tough work. It takes so much self-determination and drive. The only person who can motivate you to start is yourself. In many ways, I have been my most challenging obstacle. Over the years, I have learned that I must paint even on days when I do not feel inspired. I must paint even if I don’t feel in the mood. There are, of course, other challenges too. You must paint well enough for the world to want your work. The community that supports you must be educated or understanding enough of art to know its inherent value.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a sign-painter and muralist. I specialize in painting large-scale outdoor projects. These projects may be giant, detailed illustrations or crispy logo graphics. I am especially known for painting difficult to reach or hyper-textured surfaces. I am most proud of the recent mural I did on Chambers Avenue for Millcreek City Common. It features a large fox in a marsh with some Mallards flying above him. What sets me apart from others is my obsession with detail. Even on a seemingly simple job such as a logo, if we don’t nail the details, the whole thing feels off or out of place.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Folks will always ask you about your competition. Know that your competition is always first & foremost with yourself. You have to get up and grab the life you want. You have to motivate to get things handled. There is no need to compete with others. What is most important is to uplift other artists & makers along with yourself. Having the art community grow and thrive together makes life more meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tinyshley.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: tiny_shley
