From painting on her legs with diapers as a toddler to illustrating children's books and designing puzzles, Shari Borba’s creative journey has been anything but ordinary. Now based in Oakdale, this artist, illustrator, and graphic designer is using her talents to uplift others, one joyful project at a time.

Born in Eugene, Oregon, and raised in Reno, Nevada, Shari’s passion for art has been a lifelong companion. It followed her to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she earned a degree in Social Studies and led a volunteer program called Art After Dark, bringing creative expression to children in homeless shelters. She continued nurturing her love of art while attending law school, marrying, and starting a family.

In 2015, she and her husband moved to Oakdale. As she shifted her focus to raising their three children, art found its way back into her daily life during nap times and weekends. “Initially, I concentrated on watercolors and began selling my artwork and accepting commissions,” she says. “That eventually led to illustrating my first children’s book and diving into digital illustration and character design.”

Today, Shari’s art spans across digital illustration, watercolor, and acrylics, often finalized digitally for prints and products. She creates vibrant, whimsical worlds filled with florals, mushrooms, and fantasy elements that bring smiles to children and adults alike. In addition to illustration work, she offers graphic design services for small businesses, including social media graphics, website design, and print marketing.

In February 2025, Shari relaunched her website to showcase her expanding range of services. Whether you’re looking for book cover design, art licensing, editorial work, or marketing support, Shari brings creativity and professionalism to every project.

One of her most meaningful experiences as an artist was illustrating her first children’s book, Hendrix Hears a Sound by Jessica Keenan. “Though my style has changed since then, that project sparked my love for digital illustration and opened my eyes to the potential of art in publishing and small business marketing.”

Shari’s influences range from impressionism to modern whimsical illustrators such as Kate (@poopikatt), Roche Woodworth (@rochewoodworthillustration), and Sarah Simon (@themintgardener). Her own style is joyful, detailed, and imaginative.

Despite the success she’s found, Shari’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. “Art wasn’t my initial path,” she explains. “I pursued law to advocate for the vulnerable. Life led me to prioritize family, and then art unexpectedly reentered my life.” She shares that imposter syndrome has been a hurdle, but she continues to learn, practice, and grow through self-teaching and online courses. “Art brings joy to others and consistently finds its way back to me.”

Beyond her professional work, Shari is deeply involved in the Oakdale community. She teaches art lessons at her children’s school, volunteers with the Oakdale Morning Market marketing team, and hosts family-friendly art events such as an Easter Egg Coloring Contest in collaboration with Story Books & Toys. She’s also won awards for her digital illustrations at the Valley Art Association Art Exhibition and enjoys connecting with artists and creatives both locally and online.

Through it all, Shari’s goal remains the same: to inspire others to create. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. The joy in just creating is such a gift,” she says. “I hope to keep using my design skills to help local small businesses with their marketing and to bring more art to our community through collaborative events.”

You can see Shari’s work on display at the Oakdale Arts Show on May 29, where her nine-year-old son will also be participating. A mini version of her puzzle, created in collaboration with Piecely Puzzles, is available for purchase at the Shoppe on 3rd in Oakdale.

For inquiries or to learn more about her services, visit www.shariborba.com, or reach out by email at shari@shariborba.com. You can also follow her on Instagram at @shariborba_designs and on Facebook at Shari Borba Designs.

Shari also recommends checking out her neighbor, Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, a talented seamstress and fashion designer who has been a regular participant in local art exhibitions alongside her husband, an accomplished portrait artist.

With heart, talent, and a clear vision, Shari Borba is not just creating art—she’s building a more vibrant, connected community through it.