More About Shamar Knight-Justice (He/Him)
Languages: English
Shamar Knight-Justice is currently the Principal of Ethos Classical, an elementary school focused on the intersection of joy, rigor, and the humanity of its students. He has been an educator for 15 years, and is inspired daily by the stories and imaginations of his students.
His artwork focuses on mixed media, and unique textures and patterns. In his work, he uses different mediums to build interest in his characters, and add complexity to their personalities. He intentionally highlights Black and Brown children in his work because he believes that the fullness of their identities should be displayed, and are often overlooked in picture books.
He illustrated Alliah Agostini's lyrical text, BIG TUNE, which received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, and was also a Junior Library Guild selection. His third published book, REPEAT AFTER ME, written by actors Jazmyn Simon and Dule Hill was a New York Times Best-Seller. He also illustrated the ARI J. Series (Ain Heath Drew), FOREVER AND ALWAYS (Brittany J. Thurman), and DANTE PLAYS HIS BLUES (Allen Wells).
Shamar was also the Grand Prize portfolio showcase winner of SCBWI’s 2022 winter conference, and an inaugural recipient of their OMA award.
Since publication, he has been commissioned for work by American Greetings, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Scholastic, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and Heinemann Publishing.
You can find Shamar online at:
Character draw-along with Shamar Knight-Justice
Shamar's strengths include…
Analyzing character voice, elevating cadence and sentence structures, and engaging word choice. He as a keen sense of what children enjoy (been around them in schools for the last 15 years) and has a good ear for humor.
Shamar’s strengths also include envisioning imaginative scenes in picture books for illustrators, how to make poses and gestures more dynamic, utilizing texture and collage in art, and how to use the details and history of a text to support the visuals.
He can also support with book marketing, social media ideas, engaging readers, and school partnerships.
What Shamar is looking for…
A mentee who actively seeks feedback, is willing to engage in the process of building a strong picture book, and someone who isn't afraid to dream big.
Also, looking for someone who is interested in building a body of work, instead of just one good book.
Would enjoy a mentee that will also commit to the behind the scenes work of marketing, strategizing, and engaging all the stakeholders that are involved in publishing.
A Note from Shamar:
“The best stories are the ones that tap into your unique identity.”
Shamar’s Picture Books
Let’s Fly! Barrington Irving’s Record-Breaking Flight Around the World, written by Barrington Irving and Chana Stiefel, and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
Big Tune: Rise of the Dance Hall Prince, written by Alliah L. Agostini, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
Repeat After Me: Big Things to Say Every Day, written by Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
*NYT Bestseller
Ari J.’s Kinky, Curly Crown, written by Ain Heath Drew, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
Ari J.’s Firefly Rescue, written by Ain Heath Drew, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
Forever and Always, written by Brittany J. Thurman, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
Danté Plays His Blues, written by Allen R. Wells, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
Shamar’s Upcoming Picture Books
I GOT YOU: A BROTHER’S PROMISE, written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
If Shamar created a Visual Wish List, it would be made up of…
*Unless otherwise stated, the below serves as a wish list only. Each mentor is excited about the opportunity to find a manuscript they can’t stop thinking about. Please apply if you think you’d be a good fit.
When I Wrap My Hair, written by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Jenin Mohammed
My Mother's Tongues, written by Uma Menon, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell
The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
Touch the Sky, written by Stephanie W.V Lucianovic, illustrated by and Chris Park
There Was A Party for Langston, written by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey
Before the Ships, written by Maisha Oso, illustrated by Candice Bradley
Great Idea Malia, written by Alliah L Agostini, illustrated by Olivia de Castro
Shamar is a good fit for…
Illustrators
Author-illustrators
Any art medium, but would have significant value to add for digital illustrators that work in Procreate
Fiction
Imaginative/whimsy manuscripts
BIPOC voices
Digital illustrators
Lyrical
Humor
Unique characters
Shamar is not a good fit for…
Non-fiction
Who can apply to Shamar? BIPOC creators only. Unagented AND Agented illustrators and author-illustrators may apply.
*You will need a gmail account to access the google form. After clicking the button above, you will be able to sign in or create a new account.