In this edition of the Artist Spotlight, we shine a light on Sha of Happy Days Illustration. Nestled in a cozy corner of the internet, Sha shares her delightful doodles of whimsical animals and occasionally humans, all brought to life with soft, gentle colors.
As a child, Sha didn't consider herself particularly artistic. While her peers reveled in drawing, she found herself more inclined to express herself through the written word, penning poems rather than sketches. However, her creativity found other outlets, as she spent countless hours crafting blog layouts and designing accompanying collages. Additionally, she ventured into the realm of watercolor painting, testing the waters of artistic expression.
In 2019, a pivotal moment changed everything for Sha. She discovered the accessibility of digital art, simply by downloading an app onto her smartphone. Suddenly, a world of artistic possibilities unfolded before her. In a blink of an eye, she found herself immersed in creating a whimsical army of frogs and peaches, playfully positioned behind a table. These endearing characters soon found their way into the hearts of others as Sha transformed her artwork into stickers, which she proudly showcased at conventions.
Sha's art style is characterized by its simplicity, bringing chonky animals to life in amusing situations. Her creations never fail to bring a smile to people's faces as they glance at a frog balancing on a lily pad or a duck donning a top hat. For Sha, the color palette takes precedence above all else, carefully chosen to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and joy. With each stroke, she aims to elicit a soft, fuzzy, and happy sensation within her audience, allowing them to experience their very own "happy days." And judging by the smiles that grace the faces of those who encounter her work, it seems she has achieved her goal.
Join us as we bask in the delightful world of Happy Days Illustration, and allow Sha's endearing characters to transport you to a realm of cheerfulness and whimsy. May her art continue to brighten our days and remind us of the simple joys that can be found in the beauty of her creations.
Tips to fellow Artists:
I guess my advice would be to trust yourself, trust in your own process and trust that you will eventually get to where you want to be with your art. It’s a long journey and we’re all here for the ride!
