Shania Waul: Journey through art and pop culture

Shania Waul, an illustrator and animator, has carved her own path in a space that was once considered unconventional on the island. Inspired by a childhood love for art and a life-changing newspaper article about a Jamaican animation student studying in South Korea, Waul decided to turn her artistic passion into a career.

“I’ve always been inspired by magical girl shows and both Eastern and Western animation. That mix shaped my artistic style and storytelling approach,” she shares.

BRINGING IDEAS TO LIFE

For Waul, creativity is a structured yet spontaneous process. She draws inspiration from Pinterest mood boards, real-life experiences, and even dreams. “Some of my best ideas come from dreams I’ve had,” she reveals. To keep her projects on track, she relies on Trello, an organisation tool that helps her manage both personal and commission work.

Her artistic influences are deeply rooted in Mahō Shōjo (magical girl) and Shōjo (romance) anime, citing Sailor Moon, Pretty Cure, and Nana as major inspirations. She also finds inspiration in the cosy aesthetics of games like Stardew Valley and Field of Mistra, as well as pop music, which sets the mood for her creative sessions.

CHALLENGES

Despite her love for art, Waul acknowledges the challenges that come with being a Jamaican artist. “Many Jamaicans, especially some family members, don’t see freelance art and teaching art as a serious career,” she says. This often leads to distractions and emotional stress, making it harder to focus. To create a productive work environment, she often works from local cafés.

Another hurdle she faces is the undervaluing of creative work. “Some businesses try to offer ‘exposure’ instead of actual payment, which can be frustrating,” she explains.

Waul credits Anime Nerds of Jamaica (ANJ) for being an integral part of her artistic journey. Attending anime events since she was 15, she found networking opportunities, friendships, and career growth. “ANJ was the first event I attended at Anime Picnic at St Andrew High School. They have supported my work, even commissioning me for character art.”

She hopes that event organisers continue to recognise the importance of real artists, especially as AI-generated art threatens the creative industry.

Waul emphasises the need for experimentation and persistence. “No one is born with artistic talent — it takes practice and patience,” she says. She encourages them to explore different mediums, from painting to digital art, and to surround themselves with positive influences.

LASTING IMPACT

For Waul, art is more than just a career — it’s about representation and storytelling. She takes pride in her ability to portray black characters authentically, ensuring that darker skin tones are accurately and beautifully represented.

“I love when people get genuinely excited about my art. I want them to feel that their patience and money were well spent,” she shares.

Waul’s journey is a reminder that creativity, resilience, and community support can turn passion into something extraordinary.