My name is Shayla Monaé Russell.
Self-taught Visual Artist and Graphic Designer currently residing in Washington D.C. 

I specialize in custom artwork and graphic illustrations however,
I'm up for new challenges too.

During my years of experience,
I've worked on multiple projects for
non-profit and minority-owned businesses, been featured in multiple public gallery shows & media outlets, including ESSENCE Magazine. 

As a Bronx native, who has been exposed to street art from an early age, creating brings me immense joy.

My passion is to use art as a communication tool to connect communities to equity and justice initiatives that change and bring color to our world.


 

Originally from The Bronx, New York, Shayla has always sought to combine her imagination with her life observances in order to create taught provoking imagery. With a degree in Marketing & Advertising from Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, NC) and a passion for aesthetics and color - Shayla now works as a freelance artist, specializing in custom paintings, illustrations, branding & event coordinating.

 

Since 2017, her work has appeared in multiple gallery shows across New York City. On October 5th, 2019, Shayla took a leap of faith and presented her first solo art show 'Excursions' to the public - where she challenged the audience to step away from their mundane routines and tap into their childlike imaginations. 

 

In 2020, Shayla became a member of The ALPHA Arts Alliance, a Brooklyn based minority arts collective with a focus in supporting children's programs and sustainable farming in urban communities. The following year, she was selected to display her piece "Professional" in the 3rd Annual Future is Female Art Show hosted by SK.Artspace. The show was featured in ESSENCE Magazine shortly after its opening and highlighted women who used art as a form of activism.

 

During the global pandemic, Shayla and her team developed HYYER Magazine where she acted as its lead graphic designer, writer, and editor. Through HYYER, she has been able to combine her love of writing, the arts, and her desire to connect and inspire fellow artists all in one place - giving them a platform to promote themselves during the Covid-19 lockdown.

 

In the summer of 2023, Shayla was hired by The NYC Mural Arts Project to complete an installation beside Montifere Hospital in her hometown, The Bronx, NY. This project was a full circle moment because she got to take part in the very street art that started her creative journey. The mural, led by Paul Deo, was created with the help of the community residents of an LGBTQ housing facility.

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Shayla currently resides in the DMV area and is excited to explore what opportunities lie ahead in Chocolate City!