Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabby Shepherd.
Hi Gabby, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started my business, Gabby Shepherd Art, in December 2020 during a dark period. I was a sophomore in college and found painting to be that safe space I craved. I started selling paintings on Twitter and eventually moved to Instagram, where I’ve made excellent connections with fellow artists and collectors. I began selling live at markets in 2021 and was in my first gallery when I was a senior in college in the fall of 2022. In February 2023, I began my tattoo apprenticeship at Rorschach Tattoos in Cocoa, FL. In October, I graduated and am now a practicing resident artist at Milk District Tattoos in Orlando, FL.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have been constantly blessed throughout my artistic journey. I found a tattoo studio where I can grow and enjoy my work. I have built my brand and established life-long connections with collectors. However, starting my business amid emotional turbulence and the pandemic was an immense obstacle that I am forever grateful I tackled head-on. The opportunity to work as a live painter at Cafe Tu Tu Tango happened by fate. At a Milk Mart event, a day when it was rainy and windy and all of the vendors scrambled after knocking over products, the restaurant curators found me right before the end of the day. That day, I made 2 sales, but I never left, which deterred my motivation and hope for that day, and it paid off. I can live a life that little me could have never dreamed of.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My journey began 2019 as a painter and expanded into tattooing in 2023. I specialize in acrylic works with glitter, metallics, and rhinestone embellishments. My work mainly focuses on human anatomy, flowers, and eyes. People often compliment the colors I use before anything else. I use color to express my internal reality and rely on instinct and flow when creating my pieces. I often let my intuition lead me in selecting my colors. Recently, several people have noted my distinct style, which is one of the highest compliments I have received. It has taken me years to find my sense of self and style that came across as individually and uniquely my own. The fun swirls and teardrops I incorporate into almost every painting make it distinguishable from mine. My first professional gallery experience was with ADC Fine Art Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio. In October of 2022, my piece “Illuminated” was displayed amongst hundreds of other artists worldwide. My piece made it onto the cover of the event’s pamphlet, and I was honored to receive one of the 30 purchase awards. To have my self-taught journey validated in such an immense space was life-altering. To be the youngest in a room full of artists I felt were leaps and bounds ahead of me was surreal.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My ability to connect with many people is vital to my success. Both as a painter and a tattoo artist, making my clients feel heard and understood goes a long way. I need to be able to express myself and my story and represent my work with pride. My degree in English and Philosophy has allowed me to look at things from various perspectives, and I am proud of my ability to make those around me feel welcomed and accepted.
Pricing:
- Prints starting at $12
- Bookmarks starting at $8
Contact Info:
- Website: gabbyshepherdart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyshepherdart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabbyshepherdartwork/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/gabbyshepherdart
Image Credits
Sunisth Chawla
