When Siobhan ‘Shiv’ Murray was made redundant in 2024, it could have been a devastating blow. Instead, it became the catalyst she needed to fully embrace her artistic passion.
Now, Siobhan, originally from Ferryhill and now living in London, is steadily building a name for herself in the creative world, offering beautifully crafted art prints, gift illustrations, live wedding illustrations, custom stationery, and, most recently, a brand-new line of greeting cards.
Shiv’s journey began in 2020, during the pandemic, when she started painting watercolour and mixed-media pieces for friends.
What began as a simple creative outlet quickly grew into something more as total strangers started commissioning her work.
However, post-pandemic life and a return to full-time employment put her growing business on hold.
That all changed in 2024. After deciding to explore digital art and gradually rebrand her business, she was unexpectedly made redundant.
What could have been a setback became an opportunity, accelerating her plans and pushing her to take her business, Art by Shiv, to the next level.
Siobhan, who attended Broom Cottages Primary and Ferryhill Business & Enterprise College (now Ferryhill School) while growing up, launched her first collection of prints, introduced her widely popular ‘speedy illustrations’, and even stepped into the wedding industry, offering live guest illustrations, which proved an instant hit.
“The response I had from the couple and guests at my first live illustration event was incredible,” Shiv recalls. “It made me realise that this was something truly special, and I knew I had to make it a core part of my business.”
By January this year, she had officially launched her wedding illustration packages, giving couples a unique, personalised experience for their big day.
As Art by Shiv continues to grow, Shiv has big plans for 2025. She is gearing up for her first in-person market and is set to expand her product offerings, all while balancing part-time work to pursue her dream full-time.
“Being made redundant was a huge turning point,” says Shiv. “Without it, I might not have taken the leap. Now, I get to create art that brings people joy, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.”
For more information on Art by Shiv and to explore her collection, visit www.artbyshiv.uk or follow her on Instagram at @artbyshiv.uk.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
