Hi, I'm Simone Smith!
Better known online as, Simkray.
I’m a Black British artist of Jamaican descent born and raised in London, UK, with a deep passion for storytelling and content creation. After graduating from the University of the Arts London with a degree in Animation, I decided to take the leap and start my own creative business.
My work lives at the intersection of heritage and imagination, a space I like to call "Blerd-Fantasy." I love mixing elements of my Jamaican culture with the quirky, magical themes that inspired me growing up. Whether I’m working on a webcomic, a Video, or a bespoke commission, I aim to bring a touch of magic to everything I create.
"THE BEST STORIES COME FROM YOUR OWN PERSPECTIVE!"
My Story...
From Markets to Commissions
The brand Simkray was created in 2018 when I began creating T-shirts with my own original designs.
With the help of my family, I was able to attend a few markets & events around London such as the Made in Croydon's Box Park Market, The Teenage Market and The Voice Black Business Fair 2018 to name a few.
"don't let your fear of not thinking your work is good enough stop you from creating. it is always better to have something to look back on than nothing at all"
representation matters
At these event I was able to talk with my local community and realised that people were interested in my illustrative and creative skills, having people stop to talk to me about my work and wanting to know more about my characters made me want to continue creating Webcomics based on my culture and interests!
I create because I want to see the vibrant culture of my London and Jamaican roots reflected in the fantasy worlds I love. My mission is to create art where black joy and magical wonder coexist.