artist, graphic designer, founder

shannon

about me

Hi, I’m Shannon Duncan (she/her), the artist behind Unfinished by Duncan or UBD for short. I started UBD as just an idea in 2020 and brought it to life in 2021. What began as a way to express myself and offer design and commission services at accessible rates quickly grew into something much more personal. This space has become a creative outlet, a challenge, and a way for me to push outside my comfort zone as an artist.

I believe art should be accessible to everyone. It’s a tool for expression, connection, and processing all the big feelings we sometimes don’t have the words for. My work reflects that; it’s emotional, imperfect, a little weird sometimes, and always evolving.

I’m originally from California, now based in Arizona. Outside of art, I love to read (wink wink), thrift old treasures, grab coffee then run to a bookstore, and add to my ever-growing plant collection. My art style is rooted in American Traditional tattoo art, mixed with Neo-Traditional influences and a love for the strange, the dark, and the oddly beautiful.

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why "unfinished"

When I first started making art, really diving in, about ten years ago, I constantly felt like nothing I made was ever finished. Something always felt off. I’d avoid drawing faces, leave pieces incomplete, or bounce from one idea to the next without really letting anything settle. I’d nitpick and doubt myself. The pressure to create something “perfect” would stop me from creating anything at all.

“Unfinished” became the word I used to describe that feeling but over time, it also became a reminder that it’s okay to be in progress. To learn. To revisit. To grow.

Now, I give my art the space it needs. I pause when I need to (side-quest here, I'm thankful to therapy for giving me the tools I needed). I return to pieces with fresh eyes. I finish what I can, and I’m okay leaving the rest for later. I’ve learned that art doesn’t need to be rushed; it should be fun, expressive, healing, and sometimes a little uncomfortable. That’s part of the process.

“Unfinished” has transformed from a limitation into a mindset. It’s about allowing myself to keep evolving and to unlearn, relearn, and grow. To make room for imperfection and exploration. To enjoy the weird, dark, gross, grungy, and gorgeous bits of life that keep things interesting.

Life is strange, isn’t it? But so is art. And that’s what makes both of them worth sticking with.

find ubd at a local market

arm candy & official market set up expert

josh

meet josh(ua)

This is Josh Duncan (he/him/his), my husband, biggest supporter, and all-around MVP of Unfinished by Duncan.

Joshua has been with me since day one of this wild art journey - cheering me on, lifting me up, and reminding me that we’re capable of doing the hard, uncomfortable things (even when imposter syndrome is shouting louder than reason #yikes). Whether it’s helping me prep for markets, offering feedback on new pieces, or just standing by with a cup of coffee and a pep talk, he’s a huge part of the heartbeat behind this whole thing.

Outside of being a professional hype man, Joshua is a talented musician who’s currently starting a new local band called Iron Rain - a hardcore project with an incredible group of guys. He’s passionate about music and always writing, playing guitar, or supporting the local hardcore/metal scene. When he's not doing that, you can probably find him watching hockey, cooking something delicious, or playing a few rounds of disc golf (weather permitting, of course).

He’s creative, encouraging, grounded, and constantly reminds me that following your dreams, even the messy, vulnerable ones, is always worth it.

You can follow Josh on social media @ImNotZacBrown for music updates, gear content, and the occasional food pic.

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