Meet ShePosse | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with ShePosse and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ShePosse, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
As someone who creates street art, I’m incredibly passionate about using public art to inspire new ways of thinking and bring people together. For me, street art is far more than just visually appealing colors and imagery – it’s about using my creative voice to champion causes that are important to me, like women’s empowerment and mental health. What I love most about street art is the way it can create opportunities for conversations and connections between people from all backgrounds. Street art is about harnessing the power of creativity to foster community and drive positive change.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a lover of street art, I’ve found myself naturally drawn to the world of creating stickers and paste-up art. I’ve been an artist since I was old enough to hold a crayon and have been fortunate enough to make a 25+ year career as a graphic designer. But my street art is different. It’s a time for me to create art just for me, without any rules or limitations. Sticker art is a unique and global phenomenon with a self-regulated community that transcends language barriers, cultures, and backgrounds. The birth of ShePosse came from my desire to amplify the voices of fellow female street artists. As I observed a gender divide within the community, I felt compelled to create art that would inspire conversation and dialogue on the importance of gender equality and female empowerment. My sticker and paste-up art reflects this passion and serves as a visual representation of the power of art to spark meaningful conversations and challenge the status quo.
My ultimate goal is to encourage and support others who identify as female to have the courage and freedom to create for the streets and beyond. Together, by creating art in public spaces, we can make our voices heard louder and clearer than ever before. Let’s celebrate diversity, while calling for greater representation and inclusivity in the street art community.

As I dove into sticker and street art culture, I quickly became acquainted with the community which led me the opportunity to become a co-producer of Sticker Movie. This documentary highlights the culture behind sticker art and showcases the work of the global community of “sticker people” who create, trade, collect, and display stickers around the world. The film not only explores the people who decorate the streets with these stickers but also delves into the reasons behind their passion for sticker art. Through interviews with over 80 artists in 23 different countries, Sticker Movie offers a rare glimpse into the underground world of this subset of graffiti.

Our world premiere took place in October 2023 in Portland, one of the most sticker-friendly places globally. The film has since sold out five screenings in New York City, with plans for showings in Italy and the UK. I am overjoyed to see the positive response from audiences worldwide and to know that we are able to showcase the creativity and diversity of sticker art culture through this film.

As I reflect on my experience creating public art, there are a few important lessons that I’ve learned along the way. The first and most crucial lesson is to follow your passion with unwavering determination.
Embracing your mistakes is key. As a street artist, I’ve had to learn a lot of unspoken rules along the way. With all of these rules, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. But I’ve come to realize that these mistakes are actually valuable learning opportunities that have helped me grow and improve over time.
It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone will appreciate or love your work. As an artist, you’ll face criticism from time to time. But don’t let that discourage you from continuing on your path. Instead, use it as motivation to push your creativity further.
Lastly, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Procrastination can be tempting, but as a dear friend in the sticker community once told me, “do it scared.” Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing your passion for creating art. The road to creating public art may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. You never know, you might even create something that touches the hearts of others and brings a little bit of happiness to the

My message to the world is that female artists of all ages and ethnic backgrounds have the right to express themselves through street art. I am deeply committed to collaborating with female street artists from around the world to create works that inspire respect and understanding among all genders. Behind every sticker, wheatpaste, and mural, there is a unique story of the person who created it. I am passionate about uncovering those stories and forging connections with other artists to amplify the voices of women. Street art has the ability to bring soul and beauty to our communities, and I am determined to ensure that female artists have the space and visibility they deserve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles, one of my top recommendations is to pay a visit to Shepard Fairey’s Gallery Subliminal Projects on Sunset Blvd. Fairey is my personal idol and the artist who brought street stickers to their current level of notoriety. While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on the killer tacos at Guisados and the smoothest espresso around at Eightfold Coffee. And be sure to take a stroll through the LA Arts District to check out the street art scene – who knows, you might even spot a few of my own stickers on the back of some street signs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Sha-Risse Smith, the talented writer behind Sticker Movie, which I had the privilege of co-producing with her.I was blown away by Sha-Risse’s passion and commitment to the sticker art community. Sha-Risse and the film crew saw that I shared their passion for the sticker art community and invited me onboard the team of a film they had been working on for several years. I was humbled and excited to help raise funds to complete the film and bring it to the big screen, jumping in during the home stretch. Sha-Risse is not just a creative partner, but also a dear friend – a sister. We’ve shared a lot of laughs, but we’ve also had open and honest conversations about being women in a male dominated community. Together, we lift each other up and keep pushing ourselves to keep creating for the streets and beyond.

Instagram: she.posse

Image Credit
Main Photo: Jesse Warner