The artists who inspire
Talented Shutterstock contributors share their stories
Get a glimpse into the lives of the talented Shutterstock contributors behind the lens, behind the pen, and behind the music at Shutterstock. Shutterstock Presents: Artist Series celebrates the photographers, illustrators, videographers, and composers who create the content you love. Get to know our contributors, and get inspired by their stories.
This is Shutterstock Presents
Charlie Blacker
For years, the bohemian #vanlife trend has been a fantasy life envied around the world—a trend that shows no sign of slowing down. People are increasingly seeking simplicity and freedom, and one of those creative individuals hitting the road is photographer Charlie Blacker and his partner Rachel Wilson. For this traveling duo, work from anywhere offered an uncomplicated, unconventional lifestyle that gave them the flexibility to pursue their creative passions. In the latest Artists Series, we travel to Australia for a behind-the-scenes look into Charlie’s work and the stunning vistas they find creativity in.Explore the artist’s workLearn more about the artist
Michelle Carter
Musicians from around the globe flock to Los Angeles to chase their dreams. One of those artists is Michelle Carter—a composer, singer, and songwriter based in Studio City. But her story isn’t just about a move to the City of Angels. After playing gigs as an indie artist, Michelle wanted the freedom to create music that inspired her again. In the latest Artist Series, discover the mystical, ethereal sounds of Michelle's compositions. Explore the artist’s workShop this footageLearn more about the artist
Can Ahtam
Building a thriving photography community starts with passion, and photographer Can Ahtam has it in spades. He’s built an incredible community of portrait photographers, all sharing their work with other photographers around the world. The Turkish-born, Los Angeles resident is a standout in the portrait photography world. Learn more about his work fostering community through portraiture in this latest Artist Series.Learn more about artistExplore artist’ imagesShop this footage
Vitor Marigo
Growing up, Vitor Marigo’s relationship with his father shaped his creativity into what it is today. Like father, like son—he followed his father's footsteps and became a successful photographer in his own right, focusing on conservationist and environmentalist causes in his native Brazil. When his father passed, a spark was lit in Vitor to explore the raw beauty of Brazil. Today, he preserves nature through photography in an era when it’s more critical than ever. This is Vitor Marigo.Learn more about artistExplore artist’ imagesShop this footage
Nahiely Velázquez
“As millennials, we can’t afford to live in fear.” This sentiment neatly describes the difficult first leap into freelance work by illustrator and graphic designer Nahiely Velázquez. Nahiely long dreamed of a full-time career in art, and to turn that dream into reality, she turned to her nation’s past. Nahiely’s work is characterized by her passion for Mexican folklore. Go behind the scenes with Nahiely at her home in Morelia, Michoacán and learn about the deep-rooted cultural connections linking Nahiely’s art with the country she calls home.Learn more about artistExplore artist's illustrationsShop this footage
Dani Ayee
As artists, we search for a medium that allows us to express our story. Photographer and blogger Dani Ayee is a creative who found that outlet to express herself through photography. After childhood struggles of feeling out of place and a stint in beauty and fashion schools where she saw a lack of diversity being represented- photography found Dani. Or rather, Dani found photography. Since then, Dani uses her creativity to express herself both behind the lens and in front of it. As a Shutterstock Custom photographer, Dani lends her creative talents to create content for clients around the world. This Wonder Woman creative is on a journey to build a creative community inclusive to all. This is Dani’s story.Learn more about artistShop this footage
Yevgenia Nayberg
Originally from Kiev, Offset contributor Yevgenia Nayberg is an award-winning illustrator, painter, and stage designer. Imagery from her childhood in Europe and her native language play an important role in the work she creates. On the latest Artist Series, go behind-the-scenes with Yevgenia in her Brooklyn studio and learn how current political issues like immigration influence her work. This is Yevgenia's story.Learn more about artistShop this footage
William Perugini
The remarkable diversity of people is what makes our world so beautiful. Photographers have the fascinating power to capture each person’s wondrous and distinct story. One of these storytellers is Italian photographer William Perugini, now based in London, UK. As a Shutterstock footage and image contributor, he specializes in lifestyle stock content, and makes it a priority to include models of differing ages, genders, and ethnicities within his work. This is William Perugini’s story.Learn more about artistExplore artists’ footageExplore artists’ imagesShop this footage
Daniel Nevares
Wildlife photography requires commitment, discipline and a creative mind to capture fleeting moments in the wild. No one knows that better, than Shutterstock contributor Daniel Nevares. The San Francisco-based photographers’ images bring viewers straight into the wild. And, surprisingly, that wilderness can sometimes be found in his own backyard. Pursuing creativity daily while balancing his career in social welfare, this is Daniel Nevares.Learn more about artistExplore artists’ workShop this footage
Joanie Simon
Not all experts choose to share their industry secrets, but food photographer Joanie Simon is an example of someone who believes that knowledge is best shared. From her personally crafted home studio, Joanie educates fellow food photographers around the world through energizing educational videos on how to create delectable food images for clients. The Shutterstock Custom contributor is a pro at creating social shareable content that inspires brands around the world. This is Joanie Simon.Learn more about artistShop this footage
Marcus Paladino
Nestled in the heart of an island on Canada’s Pacific Coast lies a small coastal community where surfing is a way of life. Tofino. Not the typical place where one thinks of earning a living through surf photography, meet local photographer Marcus Paladino. The inspiring Offset artist has built a career pushing creative boundaries and photographing daring surfers facing the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. This is Marcus Paladino.Learn more about artistExplore artists’ work
