Never without a pen in her hand, Shanel loved art as a child and would spend her time sketching, illustrating and painting. A gifted artist, after leaving school, Shanel studied graphic design at West Kent College only to leave after the first year when she was offered a position with a graphic signwriting company. Later, returning to education, Shanel spent two years full-time at the University of Arts (formally, the iconic London College of Printing) to study typography and graphic design and a year at West Thames College to specialise in creative advertising, essentially concentrating on art direction.

Shanel has a nature eye for composition, design and aesthetics and is able to incorporate colour and style effortessly into her work. Proficient with all elements of design, her capabilities extend to animation and film editing, due to her technical inclination, which means she can learn new software programs with ease. From product and packaging to press release, logo and corporate design and web production (she produced this website), Shanel is experienced and capable in all aspects, although her favourite area of graphics is stylised illustration of which she has included a few personal designs on this page.