Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn McKinney.
Hi Shawn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up on a small cow farm in the middle of nowhere, Ohio, I moved to Los Angeles at the age of 21 to pursue work in the film industry. I started working in the Art Dept building props and masks for low-budget horror movies. I slowly worked my way through the art department, working in different departments from scenic painter to prop master, finally working as a production designer. During this time, I’ve pursued the dream of being a fine artist as well. Being a part of many group art shows and having work featured in Japan, France, and Brazil. And many other places
I am currently working on a body of paintings to have a solo show, and still making props and paintings for movies
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely has not been a smooth road in my pursuit of being an artist freelance artist. One of the biggest struggles with being a freelance artist is not knowing where in when the next job will come… it can be very stressful and hard to make ends meet at times.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been very lucky to work as a freelance artist my whole life. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of sign painting and illustrations for graphic design. But my favorite type of work to do is make sculptures out of wood or clay.
I think I’m best known for being a problem solver, in my world I’m always pressured by time and budget, so it helps to be a creative problem solver.
I think having a strong work ethic has set me a little apart from other people, growing up on a farm had me working since I was a little kid but Having a little voice in your head, saying “You should be working”, is a blessing and a curse.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I think the best advice for a young painter is to get as much time behind a brush as you can, the more experience the more time you spend the better. And volunteering for people you admire or would like to produce work like they are making.
Contact Info:
- Website: S-mckinney.com
- Instagram: Shawnmckinney
