Shan McLoughlin

Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I'm a lover of exploring all life has to offer. In my 20s, I travelled to over thirty countries and spent time living and working in London. I also volunteered in Borneo and lived at a Wildlife sanctuary building new enclosures and creating enrichment toys for the rehabilitating animals. I'm very dedicated to conservation and supporting a sustainable planet.

What is your favourite drink?
I sound like a bit of a kid, but I love a fresh juice! I'm really active and currently training for a marathon, so that sweet and refreshing taste always peps me back up.

What inspired you to start painting/drawing?
I've always been known as that 'art kid' since I was young and loved exploring different mediums throughout my teenage years. I started a double degree in Arts and Creative Arts at University but ended up following a path in Education. I adore my profession as a high school teacher; however, I needed a creative break between online lessons during the lockdowns over the past few years. So, I picked up a paintbrush and eventually started my own art business.

What advice would you give other artists/creatives starting out?
Jump into a creative community through a platform of your own choosing. I know I was hesitant to post my work on Instagram, but the feedback and support I received encouraged me to keep trying and exploring. I've always been very self-critical; however, joining a community of positive, like-minded people helped me grow and build my confidence as an artist.

You can read more about Shan here.