Shantell Martin smiles for the camera. Branding, interpersonal skills, and sacrifice are how British multimedia artist Shantell Martin made it. Photo: Ralph Lauren

The challenge many emerging artists face is how to excel in the crowded art space. Here is the intriguing story of how British multimedia artist Shantell Martin made it through difficult times.

BY KAZAEEM ADELEKE

NEW YORK, NY-The challenge many emerging artists face is how to excel in the crowded art space. While some give up because the challenges can be daunting, others push forward, innovating, reinventing, and pushing themselves until the light at the end of the dark tunnel becomes brighter.  Shantell Martin, the British multimedia artist, is an important example of one of those that did not give up despite all obstacles. So, how did British multimedia artist Shantell Martin make it in the tough art terrain?

How British Multimedia Artist Shantell Martin Became Successful

The British multimedia artist, Shantell Martin, is an important example of an artist who took challenges in stride and did not take no for an answer. In the face of struggles and rejection, she persevered, and today, she is at the top of her artistic career, making an impact around the globe.  

There are many lessons to learn from Shantell’s life and the trajectory that led her through many trials and tribulations to artistic excellence. The groundbreaking British multimedia artist holds the key to understanding what it takes to make it in an overcrowded world of struggling creatives.

Shantell Martin’s story starts in the low-income public housing complex in Thamesmead, just outside of London. Shantell, a mixed-race and dyslexic kid, faced stigmatization because of her race and disability. Art was her rescuer. She drew everything around her using markers as part of her effort to escape prejudices. In later years, she went to Central Saint Martins, where she graduated with a degree in graphic design.

While at Central Saint Martins, Shantell met like-minded souls and took off to Tokyo to become a professional artist after graduation. It was in Tokyo that she first cut her teeth, achieving her goal of being a paid artist. Through her performance art during DJ sets in nightclubs and decorating storefront windows, Shantell started making money from her art.

Know Thyself and Don’t Give Up

But Shantell was not one to rest on her laurels. It dawned on her one day that she had to make it in New York. So, in 2008, she got her stuff together and moved to New York. It did not take her long to realize that survival in New York, the world art center, required a different calculus to survive as an artist.

In New York, Shantell spent years sleeping on friends’ couches as she tried to figure out how to insert herself into the New York art scene.  One day, she had a eureka moment when she boldly asked herself the poignant question, “Who are you?” Her answer was, “You are you.” Shantell’s know thyself moment and search for self-understanding was not only eye-opening but also continues to guide the artist’s practice to date.

In New York, Shantell spent years sleeping on friends’ couches as she tried to figure out how to insert herself into the New York art scene.

Don’t Limit Yourself

First and foremost, Shantell is an artist. Her large-scale monochromatic line drawings and paintings have been displayed at MoMA, the Brooklyn Art Museum, the Whitney, and the Albright-Knox Gallery. They explore a range of ideas, including race, gender, and identity. Many have faces, wordplay, stick figures, and quotes from famous artists and writers. But Shantell is more than just an artist. She is a philosopher, cultural facilitator, teacher, choreographer, songwriter, and performer. Furthermore, she has created NFTs, engaged in speaking engagements, published books, and has her own line of merchandise and apparel. All of these factors contribute to her advancement and success in the art world.

Keep Reinventing Yourself

Interpersonal skills are integral to Shantell’s success. In addition to her creativity, her ability to effectively communicate, interact, and manage her emotions elevate her achievements. Today, Shantell Martin is at the top of her artistic career and continues to reinvent and push herself even more. In addition to improving her artistic practice and talent, she is also refining her business acumen. Currently, she has three employees working with her in her studio, helping her achieve her goal of excellence. At least 20-30% of her annual growth comes from NY & LA.  Shantell also has ongoing collaborations with major brands, including Google, Ralph Lauren, Max Mara, Puma, and The North Face. Others are New York City Ballet, Kendrick Lamar, The Whitney Museum, Kelly Wearstler, and Playboy x David Bowie, among many others.

Help Others Grow

In line with imparting her knowledge, she is serving as an adjunct professor at various institutions, including MIT, NYU, and Columbia University. Additionally, she is helping struggling artists find their way to being valued and successful.

On a Final Note

There are so many lessons to learn from how Shantell Martin became a successful artist. Despite all the obstacles, she stayed focused and kept reinventing herself. Many emerging artists will benefit from emulating her example.

Lessons on how British multimedia artist Shantell Martin made it are eye-opening. Are you an artist? What are your tips for surviving in the crowded art space? Share your thoughts. Leave a comment.