The Art Of Shaka Shaw

SHAKA SHAW is a digital artist, cartoonist, and illustrator based in San Jose, California. 

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Shaka draws a lot of inspiration from the culturally rich experience of growing up in California in the 80’s and 90’s. His room was filled with comic books and action figures growing up, just as his teenage son’s is today, and this informs the perspective of a lot of his artworks. 

In addition to the original artwork, commissions, and fan art that he creates, Shaka is the creator, writer and artist behind Fresh Hell Comic, a one-panel comic strip initially published on Instagram. 

EDUCATION

2004 | Howard University - Washington, D.C. | Business Management

PRESS

2024 | Content Magazine Issue 16.2 - Sight & Sound

PANELS & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

2024 | Black History Month @ Cytokinetics - Featured Guest Speaker | San Francisco, CA

2023 | Creator’s Night @ The Gathering - Featured Showcase Artist & Panelist | San Jose, CA

2023 | San Francisco Arts Commission - Panel Judge - Cultural Equity Initiative Artist Grants | Virtual Participation

DISPLAYS & EXHIBITIONS

2024 | Content Magazine Issue 16.2 Launch Party | San Jose, CA

FAQ

What are your influences?

Generally speaking, I’m a child of the 1980’s and 1990’s, from hip-hop to comic books, BET, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and MTV. In terms of specific artists, I would say that I’m inspired by the work of comic book giant Jack Kirby, groundbreaking cartoonist Morrie Turner, and visionary artist Jean-Giraud Moebius, just to name the first few that come to mind.

I’d also like to credit my parents for surrounding me with Black art in my childhood home. From Charles Bibbs to Romare Bearden, the idea of the Black creative was always very tangible to me. Describing the Black experience through a creative lens was just something as familiar to me as my childhood toys, so it’s only natural that that shines through in every piece I create.

Do you accept commissions?

Yes. If you are interested in having something created in my style, please don’t hesitate to reach out with your idea and your anticipated budget and timeframe. You will be asked to acknowledge an agreement and to provide at least 50% of the price up front. Work/collaboration will begin once the initial payment is received.