Interviews

Doodle. Post. Repeat. Shrimpy’s Creative Hustle

At just 19, Eadan Shamir, better known online as Shrimpy, has carved out a distinct space in the world of doodle art. Known for his vibrant, character-packed illustrations and playful compositions, he blends childhood nostalgia with a refined creative discipline far beyond his years. Working primarily with alcohol-based markers, Shrimpy’s art fizzes with energy, humor, and meticulous detail, each piece an explosion of color and personality.

This is Shrimpy.

Shrimpy posing confidently against a bold graffiti backdrop in his studio — photo by Austin Stone

A Style Born from Curiosity

Shrimpy didn’t stumble into art; he’s been drawing since he could hold a pen. But it wasn’t until he discovered artist Vince Okerman (aka Vexx) on YouTube that everything clicked.

“He showed me what was actually possible in doodle art,” he says. “So I gave it a go.”

A doodle presented to his teacher sparked early encouragement, and from there, it snowballed. What began as notebook scribbles evolved into a dedicated visual language rooted in experimentation, boldness, and joy.

 

From Imitation to Identity

Like many emerging artists, Shrimpy’s early work echoed the styles of those he admired including Vexx and GAWX. But with time came the urge to evolve.

“I wanted to move away from that to be my own artist,” he explains.

He began to draw inspiration from surrealists like Salvador Dalí and pop art icons like Takashi Murakami, infusing his doodles with more narrative, emotion, and personal flair.

“It took a long time, six or seven years, but now I’ve developed something uniquely mine.”


G O D O F M A R K E R S, 2025 — Shrimpy

Self-Taught, Self-Made

Without formal training, Shrimpy had to teach himself the fundamentals, anatomy, lighting, composition—through tutorials and sheer persistence.

“At the start, I didn’t really have a strong grasp of that. You could see it in my early work, it looked raw, unrefined.”

He spent years sharpening his technique, layering structure beneath the spontaneous spirit of his work. The result? Art that feels both joyful and technically solid.

 

The Play in the Process

Playfulness isn’t just part of Shrimpy’s art, it’s the soul of it.

“If it’s just shapes and boxes with no real feel, then it’s kind of lifeless,” he says.

Instead, his pieces burst with miniature scenes: zebras startled by butterflies, lions raging at airborne surprises, strange creatures mid-action. There’s always a story tucked into every corner, waiting to be discovered.

“I want people to explore every part of the artwork and find something happening.”


JUNGLEMANIA, 2024 – Shrimpy

Art vs. Algorithm

With a large following on social media, Shrimpy is candid about the double-edged sword of online visibility.

“Balancing art for myself and for an audience is probably the hardest thing to do,” he admits.

To maintain momentum, he posts regularly, sometimes creating what simply looks cool, even if it’s not deeply personal. But he’s clear on one thing:

“I never want to make something just because the audience wants it. That defeats the purpose of creating.”

 

The Pressure of Posting

Behind the vibrant feed lies real pressure. The demand to stay visible, consistent, and relevant can be exhausting.

“Once you hit a certain following, you feel like you have to post. And that can really suck the life out of you.”

His strategy? Talk to people. Take breaks, short ones. Focus on quality over quantity.

“As long as you’re proud of what you create and keep it meaningful, the pressure is easier to manage.”

SAMURAI SHOWDOWN™, 2025 — Shrimpy

Tools of the Trade

Shrimpy’s weapon of choice? Alcohol-based markers.

“They’re the coolest thing ever,” he beams. “They’re vibrant, blend beautifully, and let me put anything I imagine onto the page.”

They were the first real art tools he ever bought, and they’ve stuck with him ever since.

 

Dream Collaborations & Future Visions

While a collab with Vexx—his original inspiration, would be an obvious match, Shrimpy dreams bigger.

“Imagine doing something with Salvador Dalí,” he says. “His surrealism combined with doodle art would have been crazy.”

As for the future? He’s keeping it flexible.

“Every year something changes, maybe I blow up on one platform, or a new opportunity pops up. But the core goal stays the same: to make a career out of my art and inspire as many people as possible.”

Shrimpy holding his artwork ‘The Final Vows!’— photo by Austin Stone

So, What Does Art Mean to Him?

“Art means everything to me. It’s been the biggest part of my life since I was three. Everyone else was outside, I was inside drawing Buzz Lightyear.”

It’s not about prestige or perfection. For Shrimpy, it’s about possibility. The power to imagine, to create, and to connect.

“Just the fact that people follow me to see my art, and that inspires them to make their own, that’s the most incredible thing.”

To explore more of Shrimpy’s art, follow him on Instagram and YouTube and explore our website to apply for representation or licensing enquiries today.

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