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

Hi Shaina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
To answer the first question I believe, “The worst risk is the risk you never take.” I feel that without risk, there’s no reward. Risk and sacrifice go hand in hand. Everyday, I ask myself, how much am I willing to risk for my art, hoping that one day, it will all be worth it? Being an artist is very uncertain—it’s never guaranteed you’ll make it or that people will understand your art, or you, and why you’re willing to take such a gamble.

For the second question I wanted to talk about the risk of how I published my first book and a little bit of how I started what got me to the point of wanting to create an art coloring book, A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle and why it took over a year to complete.

My art career journey began during the pandemic. I had been living in New York months before, just after walking in New York Fashion Week and taking meetings with agencies like Wilhelmina Models for representation. I was set on my future in New York. Then the world stopped, and New York stood still. I went back to California to be near my family and was staying in Bel Air, watching the world change before my eyes. I started painting one-sided, one-eye cubism portraits, and over the years, I’ve had incredible success, with art exhibits all over Southern California, New York, Miami for Art Basel, and even internationally in Italy. I’ve reached some amazing clients—including celebrities, professional athletes, musicians, socialites, politicians, tech entrepreneurs, and some very influential families, including royalty from the Middle East.

In 2023, I opened a small gallery and boutique and was moving forward with my creative ambitions, but deep down, I felt I had hit a creative rock bottom. Despite all that success, I felt creatively stuck. I was repeating the same style, and it started to feel limiting. I needed a change, something that would allow me to grow and redefine myself. I wanted to push past traditional portrait art into broader, more contemporary expressionism—moving beyond one-sided cubism and human-like sketches to create art that felt like it truly represented the world around me. Because life is not one-sided.

In August 2023, I took a major risk by starting from scratch. I decided to create A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle, which originally went by a different name—a book that introduces children to the alphabet while nurturing their creativity. It was a complete shift in direction and felt like a rebirth for me as an artist. I thought, What better way to go back to the basics than to start with the A.B.C.s? This project allowed me to explore new characters beyond the one-eyed paintings I did for years. I revisited my childhood bunny character that I have been drawing longer than I can remember and even created a lion character a few years ago that was my foundation. As it grew, I pushed myself to come up with more. Each letter represented something different, making it a journey of discovery, as I challenged myself to think like a child and create a cast of animals that would inspire young artists. By November, I had finished sketching the animals and letters.

Initially, I wanted each page to be digitally colored—I even designed the cover myself with very limited knowledge of Photoshop—but I needed more education on the software, so I started taking Photoshop classes to refine my skills. But I was running out of time and was excited to surprise my family for the holidays and stock my store. It was our first Christmas milestone, and I wanted to have something epic to give to the staff and their families with this special release. So I thought, Instead of me coloring it digitally, why not make it interactive? My plan was for A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle to be more than just a coloring book—I wanted it to be a bridge for young artists, showing them how to explore creativity through letters and illustrations and forever remember the correlation between imagery and the alphabet.

I printed 200 copies, feeling so accomplished, but on Christmas Day, as my 3-year-old niece colored in the letter “I” for the second time, I realized the letters had been misprinted. My heart dropped. I was surrounded by my family, seeing the joy on my niece’s face as she colored, only to realize the books were filled with misprints. I had to pull every copy from my store, knowing that all this time, money, and effort had gone into what felt like a failure. They were reprinted, and I thought this was it and that it would finally be ready for the new year. But there were still so many issues with the second round of prints that I basically ended up giving a lot of them away, heartbroken.

I seriously thought about giving up on my dream of being an author. But my boyfriend, who believed in me from day one, encouraged me to try again. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve shared my dream with, showing them the journals and notebooks I’ve kept over the years with sketches and book ideas. Early in our relationship, I asked him to help me make this dream real, and within ten minutes, he found a way for me to self-publish on Amazon. It was a huge light bulb moment, and I realized that all the notes, sketches, and ideas I’d been carrying around for years had been leading me to this point.

Even after discovering how to publish, it wasn’t completely time for celebration. I still felt like it wasn’t done, and I wanted this first book to be great. So, it was back to the drawing board literally with a complete rebrand. I started with the title—a modern, futuristic twist inspired by one of my favorite childhood Disney book and movie adaptations, The Jungle Book. Then I redesigned the cover to showcase my new digital art skills in Photoshop, layering a few real-life paintings on top for dimension. It also became a perfect example of where I want to take this book series as a message about the physical natural world and the new cyber world we’re stepping into.

I want to talk a little about what this message I have for A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle means to me. I believe the only way to ensure a bright future is through education, especially of our youth. In the U.S. alone, 21% of adults are illiterate, meaning they have difficulty with basic tasks related to reading and spelling. This translates to 43 million adults with low literacy skills. Just to give context to this number, my home state, California, the most populated state in the U.S, has around 39 million people according to Google. It hurts me to know so many people haven’t had access to the proper education they deserve. That’s why I felt like I decided to use my artistic skills to teach the A.B.C. basics to others through art.

That one thought of transforming my style ended up taking almost a full year of transformation inside and out, touching every aspect of my life. It took a year to finally finish and publish, and even after officially publishing and getting the first hardcover, I still felt like it needed more adjustments. Only when the paperback version came out, did I finally feel like I had something I was proud of. Over a year of risks—time, resources, and energy—was spent, hoping that in the end, it would all be worth it, and that my book would make a difference, even in a small way in someone’s lives. One of my favorite parts of the book is at the end, where I added two certificates of authenticity, making it not only an official shainaworld.com product but a collaborative piece, signed by me on one page and the second page left blank for the artist coloring along with me to show that anyone has the ability to be a real life artist.

I always felt A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle was just the beginning. It taught me that every misstep was a stepping stone and that sometimes, risking it all can lead to something beautiful. I’m now more inspired than ever, and I know in my heart this will not be my only book. I have many more stories to share, and A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle marks the start of what I hope will be a series of books that inspire anyone, anywhere. Because I took this risk, I was able to expand my career into creating many other books. I am working not only as a children’s author but as an all-around storyteller, sharing learning experiences for all kinds of people through images, letters, and words that tell stories meant to last a lifetime.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d love to share what sets my work apart and the journey that led me here. My work, especially with A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle, is deeply inspired by the intersection of art, creativity, and education. I’m passionate about bringing learning to life in a visually captivating way. This book series merges storytelling and illustration with a modern twist, introducing children to the basics of the alphabet while nurturing their creativity through art.

What I believe sets my work apart is my commitment to merging contemporary, digital styles with traditional hands-on learning. I strive to make learning an immersive experience, where art meets education in a way that feels alive and interactive. The book is designed to inspire children to explore their creativity from an early age, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

My journey to this point has been anything but easy. I faced challenges, particularly early on, with finding my unique voice in a competitive industry. I initially gained recognition for my one-eye cubism portraits, which gave me visibility in art circles, but it was limiting creatively. This led me to take the risk of exploring something new and moving toward more of my own stylistic approach . I wanted to tell stories, not just paint pictures. Launching A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle was a huge step in redefining myself as an artist and an author, stepping away from portrait work to create something with lasting educational impact.

Overcoming challenges involved learning to be resilient, adaptable, and open to reinventing myself. Along the way, I learned that creativity isn’t confined to one form—it can evolve. Risking failure allowed me to grow and reach new heights. I had to dig deep, be vulnerable, and ultimately trust the journey.

What I want people to know about my new series of books I will be publishing in the future is that it’s all about inspiring and empowering others, especially young artists, to explore their unique voices. A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle is just the beginning, and my vision is to keep creating resources that encourage creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning through stories and educational lessons. At its core, my work is about showing the world that creativity has no bounds and that, with a bit of courage, anyone can bring their dreams to life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend of mine came to visit and hadn’t really been to Los Angeles before, I’d want to show them a day in the life living here through my eyes. We’d start the day with a beautiful hike to the Hollywood Sign, taking in the city’s beauty and the inspiration of standing under that iconic symbol, feeling the energy that anything is possible in this city if you just believe.

After the hike, we’d switch things up and head to the Golden Triangle to stroll down Rodeo Drive for a bit of shopping, then grab lunch at Croft Alley. This restaurant means a lot to me—they showcased my art at their former Melrose Place location, one of the first places to show my work in a restaurant. The main chef and co-owner even came to my exhibit on Beverly Drive during a private show I co-hosted early in my career, one block from the luxury street of Rodeo. It’s incredible to think that only a year and a few months after starting to paint, I was showing my art in the heart of Beverly Hills.

After lunch, we’d walk literally 30 seconds down the street to Brighton Salon to get our hair done by my favorite hairstylist, Dani F., who is a dear friend and has been a great encouragement from the moment I met him. While I worked as a model, I had the opportunity to work with amazing brands like L’Oréal Paris and Ulta Beauty, even posing for Salon Magazine, but Dani is hands down the best stylist I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He’s a true artist as well, and he’s made such an impact on my life. Sometimes, I even include his iconic red Ferrari in my paintings! Dani supported me when I was just starting out, even offering me a job at the salon during the pandemic, as the director of Brighton Salon he was also able to hang my art all over the walls in the prestigious Beverly Hills space, which gave my art exposure to LA’s elite, who are constantly in and out of this salon.

In the afternoon, we’d head to the west side because, to me, there’s nothing better than getting your nails done by the beach and stopping at Abbot Kinney Street for a juice at Kreation. We’d maybe stop at Principessa, a boutique that has often carried my custom-made handbags, which always sell out there. We’d likely wrap up the afternoon rollerblading or skateboarding along the Venice Boardwalk, catching the sunset over the ocean.

For dinner, we’d go to Jonah’s Kitchen in Santa Monica, which has the most delicious food and a great menu for everyone, including the most mouth-watering vegan tacos I’ve ever had. Even more tasty durning Taco Tuesday which is filled with live music and the most interesting people you’ll never know who will show up to this hidden gem on the westside of L.A. The management and staff have been so supportive of my art that they’ve even displayed a framed sketch I made at the bar. I’ve made unforgettable memories there with friends who treat you like family every day and night of the week. There’s a warmth that fills my heart every time I enter the restaurant. In a city filled with great restaurants with unforgettable atmosphere, this one truly takes the cake!

To end the night, we might go dancing at whatever LA club is hot at the moment, where my friend Judah always knows the best things going on. Judah is a really great person and one of the only people I’ve met who’s cool enough and trustworthy enough to hang out with all night long. He’s an all-around good person. He’s always helping me get out of my shell and encouraging me to promote my art, introducing me to the right people to advance my creative ambitions, and always showing up for me.

While out in the nightlife we might see some familiar faces and could even end up at a mega mansion after, or we could just take a quiet walk along Santa Monica Beach with the light of the Ferris wheel—right where I used to live, just steps away from the sand. I loved ending the night listening to the waves crash in the quiet of the evening while the city sleeps. It would be a day packed with everything that makes LA feel like a dream.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people I’d like to dedicate this article to. First, I’d like to share who was on my mind when I first started creating A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle. On the back cover of my book, you’ll see that I dedicated my first book to my nieces and nephews, as this project was truly born from love. A special shout-out goes to my oldest niece, who’s about to celebrate her bat mitzvah—she’s an amazing young lady whose vision and incredible creativity will change the world. I know she’s going to do so well with whatever she puts her mind to.

This book symbolizes innocence, growth, adaptation, and innovation through education. It’s about more than learning A.B.C.s; it’s about teaching kids how to write while identifying letters, connecting with creativity, and practical application with tracing and coloring. Words can hardly express the feeling of watching both of my little nieces coloring A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle on Christmas, high up in the hills of the Bird Streets in Los Angeles, with a spectacular view created for a movie-star extravagance the city of angels stretched out below. But the view paled in comparison to the surreal moment of seeing them so focused on something I created, in that breathtaking setting on Christmas Day. Those simple, joyful moments with family reminded me why I took this risk and pushed me to keep going, knowing this book would bring families together and inspire young artists.

I also dedicated it to the amazing teachers who impacted my life. My preschool and kindergarten teacher, Miss Sarah, was the first to teach me my A.B.C.s and later became my nanny while my parents worked. I felt so fortunate to have my teacher close to me, helping with my homework with a gentle passion, patience, and an advanced understanding of teaching and education. She taught me so much that shaped who I am, and I will never forget her and how she helped shape the person I became.

From 1st grade to 6th grade, I went to a very small private school where we often had the same teachers for several grades. I had a very special art teacher who saw potential in my artwork long before I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. She taught me things that truly defined me as an artist as I grew up, setting the foundation for how I would create as I moved through life.

She taught me two things that really impacted how I think. First, she told me, “Use all your resources.” It was such smart advice because, whether you have a lot or very little to create with, using everything you have can make something spectacular time and time again—and it can also help the environment by reducing waste. Since rediscovering my love for art in Bel Air, I’ve had those words in my head, and I never like to waste paint. Even if I have extra, I mix it or use it on another painting, which led to my style of working on multiple pieces at once, making it easier to create more simultaneously.

She also told me, while I was almost in tears over a classmate copying my art, “Imitation is the highest form of flattery.” She explained that I should feel happy that someone liked my work enough to want to copy it, and that it meant I was doing something right. I try to keep that high-minded approach toward people who act similarly, even as adults. She was the driving force behind A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle, my trace-and-color learning book. One day in her class, she taught us a new lesson about art and the alphabet. She instructed each of us to choose a letter and an animal that started with that letter. I picked “C” for cat, using my own cat, Mr. Mr., an orange Garfield look-alike, as the model. I tried so hard on that cat, paying extreme attention to detail to make it as realistic as possible. My mom was so impressed she later framed that drawing, and it’s something we cherished for years. In my book ABCs Cyber Jungle, I hope to pass on a similar experience to a new generation of creatives.

Another big influence was my high school teacher, Mr. Herwig. He taught me never to give up and had a unique way of connecting with students who learned differently. His teaching style was a perfect example of how anyone can learn with the right guidance and encouragement. When I almost dropped out of high school for personal reasons, he went above and beyond to make sure I stayed and got my diploma. I felt like he wanted me to graduate not just for the piece of paper but for the hope I felt when I stood at graduation, knowing I had accomplished something I worked hard for over the years. That gave me a positive foundation to start my life on, which I believe helped set me on the right path.

I’m so grateful for these wonderful teachers in my life; without them, I would never have accomplished half of what I have. Teachers are truly, in my opinion, the most underestimated heroes of all time. I’ve been to both private and public school, and I can tell you that there are good and bad teachers in both. The best ones, regardless of where they teach, make a difference in your life because they genuinely care about their students.

Lastly, I wanted to thank my best friend and my boyfriend, Massimo. He’s always giving me a new perspective on things in very unique and profound ways, helping me see things like never before, encouraging me to never give up, and supporting me throughout this journey as I started over again. Most of all, I will never forget that on our first date, for Valentine’s Day, sitting and looking at the beach in Malibu at Nobu, he told me, “Your art is missing a story. Everyone loves a good story.”

Website: https://www.shainaworld.com

Instagram: @cyberjunglebook

Youtube: @shainaworldforever

Other: my personal instagram is @shainalavine and my companies instagram is @shainaworldforever
tiktok is also @shainaworldforever

book is available on amazon either search my name Shaina Lavine or the title A.B.C.s Cyber Jungle

https://www.amazon.com/B-C-s-Jungle-Shaina-Rachel-Lavine/dp/B0DGX3R5G1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16V67LNC186TV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.42w7tBLqH4_SkNH6pIc95sDZ_QbsJFiQIQfMkX69Byo.jMaIjdLWooC15Wk6ViZ0h0a0k9Ssr9kDLeAP1fwu5gE&dib_tag=se&keywords=Shaina+Lavine&qid=1730599809&sprefix=shaina+lavine%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-1

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