Marshall is an award winning entrepreneur, artist and designer with a passion for creativity. His creative passion is only rivaled by his commitment to being an agent of change for his community, fellow creatives, and entrepreneurs.
He is Founder and Creative-N-Chief of Artfluential formerly Soulo Theory Creative, a boutique creative agency made up of a collective of artisans, designers, developers & thinkers that live at the intersection of design, technology & culture. Since 2010, he has worked with organizations such as Nationwide Insurance, PACT, RAMA Consulting, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, and more.
In an effort to engage the creative industries more comprehensively, Marshall co-founded Creative Control Fest (CCF) in 2012. CCF is an annual grassroots con-fest aimed at the mutual exchange of resources with creatives of color in the industries of art, design, activism, scholarship and entrepreneurship. The conference focuses on inclusion, exposure, education and opportunities for underrepresented groups in the growing creative and tech industries.
In 2014 Marshall won the Increase CDC small business award in the communications category and co-authored his first book From This Moment On...Personal Reminders for Success At Work, At Play, and In the Shower. In 2016 he gave his first TEDx Columbus talk which was recognized by the National TEDx organization.
Marshall’s passion for growing the creative fields has afforded him the opportunity to speak across the country and to teach at his alma mater, the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD). The Cleveland native is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a proud husband and father to his son.
While not everyone that inspires me is in the photo. My recent wedding was a representation of the village that I have around me that supports me. In this photo are my wife, son, siblings and friends and these are just a few of the people in my life that keep me fighting and creating.
What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?
Black History Month in 2017 to me is a reawakening of consciousness. I’d like to consider myself a student of history and for me history serves to guide our actions. BHM is the opportunity to tell those stories to a captive audience as opposed to other months. It’s our time to celebrate, critique and learn from our vast history. I think this year given the current political climate ART and CREATIVITY is crucial. Art paves the way for those who may fear taking that next step into action. Art opens that door, so I think this year art will be necessary to help tell our stories.
Emory Douglas’ piece with a mother holding her child and a gun. He is one of the artists and creatives whose shoulder I stand on and I think his ability to use imagery to take complex narratives and make them palatable for the masses is a revolutionary concept and often goes unrecognized.
Where Are You Finding Inspiration To Create This Year?
I am finding inspiration in the struggle of Black people and those fighting for our liberties and freedoms. I’ve recently moved into a studio and co-work space where there are some great artists and designers in proximity, and that drives me to want to create more. I am finding inspiration in re-branding and relaunching my company and the journey that it is taking me on. Finally, there are people in my family and extended network that inspire me. My son and new wife continue to be a driving force in my day to day and this year. I will continue to look to them for motivation and inspiration.
To Learn More About Marshall Visit:
- Website: http://Artfluential.com
- Instagram: @mrshortscreates
- Twitter: @mrshortscreates
- Facebook: Marshall L. Shorts