My name is Shelby Hamilton and I am an Artist and Graphic Designer in Charleston. I’m originally from Augusta GA, graduated from the University of Georgia with a BFA in Graphic Design, and moved to Charleston right after to work for RMS Beauty as their Graphic Designer. I started my career as a full time artist in 2019 and haven’t looked back. I love everything about the lowcountry and hope to live in it for the rest of my life!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Taylor and I live on James Island with our 2 dogs Cash (cocker spaniel) and Cooper (chocolate lab).
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love being an artist and graphic designer because of the creative freedom.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Home team, Sweetwater Cafe and a new favorite, Island Cabana Bar
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
5 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Peggy Watkins (artist)
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy for the food, wine, views and art
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie: Hidden Figures. TV Shows: Friends, NCIS, and Grey’s Anatomy
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Do what makes you happy! And keep the people important to you close, quality over quantity!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I haven’t done a plein air painting yet and I am dying to. Hoping to get out on a marsh one day soon and paint what I see!
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Morgan Wallen or Luke Combs
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Johnny’s by the Ace Hardware in Mount Pleasant. They always have a smile on! Really anywhere with some southern hospitality and a family feel make me the most nostalgic.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Heather McMahan at Le Farfalle. She never fails to make me laugh and I would just love to hear all about her life.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the food and bev side of Charleston. Food is one of my joys in life and the atmosphere of the many places to eat/drink in charleston is so great!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully here or anywhere in the lowcountry. Still making art, hopefully a little more established in my career, plus another dog.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I could talk about outer space or conspiracy theories all day. They are both so intriguing to me. I love a “what if” question and hypotheticals.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Santorini, Greece or New Zealand.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June or December. Christmas hands down. And honestly I think my favorite day of the year is your dog’s birthday. They have no idea what’s going on but they’re so happy, you can take them do do their favorite things and watching them get some sort of special treat like a pup cup or a dog cookie is just the best. I’m smiling the whole day.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
chickfila, an oreo blizzard, and Ye Old Fashioned
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Taylor, God, and my friends
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Bread and brownies/chocolate chip cookies in the oven
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Happy, comfort, friends/family
