We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Shape. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.
Laura, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
The trick I’ve learned for overcoming imposter syndrome is to find a niche few other people work in. If there’s no one else to compare myself to, it’s a lot harder to feel insecure and like I don’t measure up.
For instance, When I started my graphic design career I wanted to work in advertising. But after working in that field for a couple of years, I found myself feeling like an imposter. There were so many great art directors already, and I always felt like I’d never be good as they were.
But, fortunately, I stumbled onto working in the internet when the web was just taking off. There were very few designers already working in it anywhere in the world. You couldn’t possibly have much more experience than I did. So I was able to rise to the top early and build my reputation on that.
Now that I’m making fine art, I’m painting on leather sourced from invasive animals. Do you know who else is doing that? No one. As far as I know, no other artist anywhere is making the type of art I do. Which means no one to compare myself to. No comparison = no imposter syndrome.
Find your own niche.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m an artist making abstract paintings and sculptures using leathers sourced from invasive animal species, like lionfish, burmese pythons, and carp. This allows me to blend environmental activism with artistic expression in a way that, to my knowledge, no other artist is currently exploring.
By working with leather from invasive species, I’m addressing environmental concerns while creating visually striking pieces. Each artwork tells a story not just through its imagery, but also through its very medium – transforming an ecological disaster into something beautiful and thought-provoking.
What excites me most about this work is its potential to spark conversations about art and innovation. My work challenges viewers to imagine new ways in which they can help solve big issues. And how, with innovation and creativity, anyone can change the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey so far, I believe these three qualities have been my best assets:
Adaptability: My career and hobbies have spanned so many pursuits: graphic design, web design, photography, jewelry-making, sculpture, leather working, and many more. The ability to pivot and apply what I’ve learned to new contexts has been crucial. For one, it’s taught me a broad range of skills and techniques I can apply to my current work. Second, it allows me to pretty much be a one woman show. I can make the art, photograph it, design and manage my own website for it, etc. This has made the process of getting my art business off the ground so much less expensive than it often is for others who don’t have such varied skill sets.
Curiosity: My desire to always be learning, and my willingness to explore unconventional materials and techniques is what has led me to my current niche. This curiosity drives me to constantly innovate in my work. It also allows me to not get too attached to any outcomes. For me, the joy is in the learning. The journey is the reward.
Positivity: I’m a natural optimist. I believe this is where my resilience comes from. I always assume things will go well so I’m rarely afraid to try something new. And if I fail, I’m unable to feel down about it for long. I try to learn whatever I can and do better the next time. Pretty soon my curiosity always takes over and I’m experimenting again.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
As an artist working in a highly specialized niche, I’m always open to collaborations that can enhance my work or expand its reach. I’m particularly interested in partnering with:
Commercial sponsors: Businesses or organizations with an environmental initiative or an interest in supporting innovative art. Sponsorships could help offset the high cost of these leathers, allowing me to create larger-scale works and increase my impact.
Large-scale venues: I’m seeking opportunities to showcase my work in expansive spaces such as hotels, resorts, airports, hospitals, and high-end restaurants. These locations would allow my art to raise awareness with a wider audience and make a more significant visual impact.
Invasive species management experts: Professionals who can provide deeper insights into invasive species control and impact. Their knowledge could inform my artistic choices and possibly help me source materials more effectively.
Sustainable leather producers: Individuals or organizations involved in ethically sourcing and processing leather from invasive species elsewhere in the world. Collaborating with them could help me expand into leather or other materials from additional invasive species.
Galleries and curators: Art professionals interested in showcasing innovative and thought-provoking work on a larger scale. I’m keen to partner with those who can help bring my unique art to wider audiences and foster discussions about art’s role in addressing complex issues.
Museums, aquariums and other learning institutions interested in using art to raise awareness about invasive species and to spark conversations about innovation and creative problem-solving. I’d be excited to exhibit my existing work or collaborate on a new project together.
Architects and interior designers: Professionals working on large-scale projects who are looking for striking, unique art pieces to enhance their spaces.
Other artists, story-tellers, photographers, and film makers: I’m open to collaborating with artists from various disciplines who are interested in invasive animals, or exploring unconventional materials and techniques. This could lead to interesting mixed-media projects or exhibitions.
Technologists: Given my love of innovation and technology, I’m curious about potential collaborations that could bring a digital or interactive element to my work, perhaps creating virtual exhibitions or augmented reality experiences that complement my physical pieces.
If you’re interested in collaborating, the best way to connect is through my contact page: https://laurashape.com/pages/contact-laura-shape or via email at [email protected]. I’m always excited to hear new ideas and explore potential partnerships that align with my artistic vision and innovative approach.
Please note that while I’m open to various collaborations, it’s important that any partnership maintains the integrity of my work and aligns with my commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and exploring new possibilities in art. I’m particularly interested in opportunities that allow me to work on a larger scale and make a more significant impact with my unique artistic approach.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laurashape.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurashape/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraShapeArt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurashape/
Image Credits
All photos by Laura Shape
