Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Perkins @sptheplug
Hi Shawn Perkins, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Michigan, but moved to DC after transferring to Howard University in 2006, where I majored in fine art with a concentration in graphic design. After working in the design field shortly after college, I realized that painting was my true passion. This ultimately led to me quitting my job and pursuing oil and acrylic works on canvas. This stage of my life I juggled being a full-time waiter in downtown DC while painting like a madman in my free time. I began producing work to display at local art shows and accepting commissioned work from clients. Eventually, I decided in order to achieve my goals as an artist, I would need to focus all of energy on creating. I forfeited the safety net of a steady income and placed all bets on myself becoming a full-time artist. In hindsight over a decade later, it’s been the most dangerous, fulfilling decision I’ve ever made in my life and I’m excited to see where the path takes me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has everything but a smooth road; I slept on my friend’s couch for over two years while beginning to paint full-time. The latter years of my 20s were very unstable, and I was barely able to make ends meet even though I had yet to secure my own place. If it weren’t for the help and belief of my closest friends and family, I could have easily been too stressed or stretched thin to continue – but somehow, some way, things always seemed to work out enough to keep going. As I began to grow as an artist, more opportunities began to come my way, and the consistency of my work ethic started to pay off. Partnerships, large murals and brand collaborations all helped me build a strong foundation to maintain a steady workflow, and one day at a time things began to come together for me to allow some sighs of relief.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in painting – mostly murals and works on canvas. I work with acrylics and oils, and also learned how to spray-paint as I began to secure larger outdoor projects. To date, I’ve completed over 500 paintings and 60 murals (mostly in the DMV) area – painting everything from cars at the auto show to the first black history mural in Loudoun County. I’ve also partnered with Southwest Airlines, 23&Me, and Modelo creating custom paintings and merch for each company. I’m known for creating colorful, vibrant work that uplift others, and I’m most proud of my current work hanging in BWI Airport titled “Creation of Adam.” This was the first painting of a series called “Verses” where each painting is a verse from the Bible. This series is halfway complete. What sets me apart from others is my range as an artist – I have the graphic skills I learned in college and working as an illustrator and graphic designer. My style ranges from contemporary realism to abstract, so I have the ability to cater to different vibes or styles requested by clientele. And lastly, my ability to work with any scale. I can create small paintings or large, 3-story murals depending on the ask.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice for finding a mentor is to immerse yourself in whatever craft or work you are pursuing. This leads to meeting others in that field, most of whom either have the experience or know someone who does. These people you meet can help mentor or point you in the direction of someone who can. It all starts with an active pursuit from within, that will eventually put you in the same room of those who can offer guidance on your journey,
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sptheplug.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sptheplug/
