ABOUT

Shomari Smith is a multi-dimensional artist. And he takes advantage of every form of media to express himself.

Born and raised in Oakland, Shomari developed a knack for capturing moments while working for the Oakland Unified School District’s Public Access Channel. He majored in illustration while attending the California College of Arts, but his passion goes even farther back.

“I've always had the artistic bug from as early as I can remember,” Shomari explains. “I made the decision to pursue art as a career in the fourth grade. I invented a comic strip in the sixth grade that I worked on every day for three years straight. My sister was a big influence early on as well, I would copy her drawings and techniques. I was definitely serious about my work.”

With technology rapidly evolving, Shomari uses it to his advantage and even has the luxury of choosing which way he’d like to express himself.

“I see all forms of my artistic expression in the same way,” he says. “What changes are the tools I use to carry out my vision. When I have an idea for a project, I decide which tool will be the most effective. I could be just as content if I chose a musical instrument or explored dance. So it feels really natural to use various tools and media, because it’s all connected for me.”

Visual Artist

 Shomari’s first love is drawing and considers it his all-time favorite form of expression. And it shows through his work.

“It was the first tool I found that really spoke to me,” he said. “I may step away from using other media for months or years at a time – but drawing is always a constant.”

Shomari regularly holds art shows in Oakland to display his work. But you can also see his pieces, such as “Health Fair Jester,” “The Look” and “Father Time,” by navigating through this website.

All of his work comes from an inspiration that he can’t elude even if he tries.

“It’s like an uncontrollable force,” Shomari said when explaining where his inspiration comes from. “It’s been that way since childhood. I'm also inspired by other artists' work and music.”

Photographer/Videographer

Soon after college, Shomari began taking photos on the sidelines for Oakland Raiders games and is now a regular among photographers at home games.

While taking still photos for the Raiders, Shomari also shoots a weekly television program, “In Bounds with the Raiders,” where one player is highlighted for his efforts on and off the field per episode.

Shomari’s experience has allowed him to cover all aspects of the professional athlete – from game action to Adonal Foyle’s basketball camps in the Caribbean to pitcher CC Sabathia’s charity work in the community.

These days, you can also find Shomari covering community service activities and other charity events hosted by professional athletes.

Graphic Designer

 Shomari has also displayed his artistic side working with various businesses. Among his works is the CC Sabathia Hat Design for Brand Jordan, Adonal Foyle’s All-Star Students project for the Kerosene Lamp Foundation, The Imagine Peace Series for the City of Oakland and cover for the audio book “On the Shoulders of Giants” by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

For more information about Shomari, email him at info@shomarismith.com.