I'm Shelby!

An Oak Lawn based artist looking to bring a little extra whimsy to Chicago’s South Side!

I've been creating art since before I could hold a pencil.

My upbringing in a homeschooled household allowed me the time and freedom to pursue what really interested me and brought me joy.

With the help of my mother, Reneé, my older brother, Austin, and various art teachers over the years, I have always been supported and encouraged to do what fills me with light - creating art.

Hey there!

Hey there!

In 2021, I graduated summa cum laude from Columbia College Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in Traditional Animation.

After graduating, I decided to continue my studies at Columbia and, in 2022, received my master’s degree in Creative Entrepreneurship by writing a 60+ page business plan for an art center.

Currently, I have several roles and am active in many places around the south side of Chicago, including:

  • Office Administrator & Membership Coordinator at The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce

  • Microphone Specialist and Repair Technician at Romagnoli Accordion Co.

  • Owner and operator of The Shelby Shaper Shop (on Etsy & here on this website)

  • Seasonal Program Leader at The Bridge Teen Center

  • Second Chance Studio Creator at Goodwill (Greater Milwaukee & Chicago

I LOVE making art and doing little crafts and on the days I’m not working, I can usually be found doing something of that nature.

  • Digital portrait and character art

  • Collage art

  • Trinkets and crafts made from junk and natural materials

  • Jewelry

  • Cosplay costume pieces and ruffs

You name it, I’ve dabbled in it!

In addition to all that biz, I am also currently working on a business plan to open an arts & crafts shop in my hometown of Oak Lawn, to learn more about that project, click here!

Projects and Events

  • Oak Lawn Public Library Fanfest 2026

    I will host a table at OLPL’s Fanfest in May of 2026!

    Check out the OLPL site on Fanfest here!

  • First Fridays at The Flat Iron

    At The Flat Iron Arts Building in March 2026, I provided live drawing entertainment and portrait commissions to attendees of their First Friday event.

    See what I drew that day!

  • Goodwill's Second Chance Studio "

    I created a “How to Make a No-Sew Neck Ruff” video for Goodwill in March 2026


    See the video here!

  • Mini Nature Box Class w/ The Bridge Teen Center

    I hosted a class for the students of The Bridge Teen Center where we made mini nature boxes out of recycled and found materials!

    Check out The Bridge Teen Center here!