Today we’d like to introduce you to MarTenya Shawhan.
Hi MarTenya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, It all started when I was younger. I had an uncle who would draw all the time around me. I thought it was cool and started drawing myself. I was just a very creative child, I was in band for 9 years (elementary through high school). I knew I wanted to stick to the creative arts and that’s what I did. Through high school I took upon many art classes including independent art classes knowing that that’s what I wanted to do in life. Upon completion of High School I went to Macomb Community College and took many classes with AMAZING professors! I learned a lot from two my favorite teachers Brian Sauriol and Matt Busch. I remember taking this one class with Matt called Rendering and that’s when I learned how to use the Prismacolor Cool Grey and Warm Grey Markers. Throughout my years of college I would have to say I learned a lot of material, new and challenging techniques, but without those classes I wouldn’t be where I am today.
After a couple years go by I started dabbling back into using the Cool Grey markers. Before then I was using more Acrylic paints and water color but I wanted something different. I started using these markers and posting my portraits to social media and I was getting a lot of great feedback about the artwork. Then it hits me! I knew this is what I wanted to do! I fell in love with using just grey tones and warm tones and how it was different from other artwork.
One day in 2021 I stumbled upon this alley called Vintage Alley in Eastern Market (Vintage Eastern Market). I saw artist selling their artwork, jewelry, clothing and etc. I knew at that moment that this is what I wanted to do. So I decided to start a buisness called Mars Illustrations. I talked to the owner Martin and I became one of the sellers here! My first art pop up that helped me get started!
Since 2021 I have been doing Art pop ups all around Metro Detroit and even other states. One of my favorite shows out of state was the Black Girl Art Show in Chicago. Definitely good vibes and an amazing community of supporters. The most exciting news I received is when I was chosen to be one of the sellers for EASTERN MARKET! Eastern Market has helped me grow and it is helping me grow even more, I have met so many AMAZING people in this community and we are like a big family here. A lot of hard working amazing people are here doing what they love to do and I am glad to say I am apart of that community.
Now I know I have said plenty but there’s just so much to be grateful for and I thank everyone who has supported my business because without you guys I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am continuing to grow and challenge myself to be that “Black Girl Magic.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are many obstacles that I had to face. Learning the environment on where to sell and how to sell can be difficult. There is a reason they call it “Starving Artist” I hate it but it’s true sometimes. One event you might be doing very very well at selling your artwork and getting the foot traffic. The next week you sign up for another art pop up that you’re ready and prepared for and you don’t do well. You start thinking “is it my artwork? Do they not like it?” many many questions pop up in your mind wondering what you did wrong what could you have done differently, but there’s going to be that event that you don’t do well at, do not take it as if you’re not good it just wasn’t the right one, maybe the event did not post about it’s event much or not enough foot traffic. but there is always going to be that one or one week and I know we’ve all been though it. I would have to say but for the most of it, I have been doing this since 2021 and it is 2026, I LOVE what I do! It’s not going to always been sunshine and rainbows but you have to be positive, set a goal, but never give up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Visual Artist, I am known for Portrait artwork, I specialize more in drawing people. I use Prismacolor Markers; Cool grey and Warm grey to make unique portraits of people, animals, and etc. I love that is different then most portraits you see. I sometimes use acrylic paint and mix it with the markers to give it even more of a unique style. I am most proud of my accomplishments and how far I have gotten since 2021. I have learned a lot these past years and I am still learning, and growing. I feel my artwork is different and sets me apart from others because you see mostly acrylic paintings, watercolor, digital, and etc., and you don’t see much Grey tone portraits these days especially with markers.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Detroit is my hometown! I love the CULTURE, the vibes and knowing that Eastern Market is in Detroit we are a community, we are there for each other and take care of what needs to be done.
I feel every city has it’s downfalls and negativities.
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