Hello, my name is Samantha Wood-Gaines. I’ve always loved art and always worked hard to get better in school. But I also had a passion for storytelling. So, from high school, I entered the University of Victoria as a creative writing student but soon realised my love for sociology by the end of first year. I quickly changed my major from creative writing to sociology while finishing my minor in technology and society. I graduated from the University of Victoria in June 2019. The skills I gained from research through sociology help me today, to better serve my clients by asking the right questions, and to have the vision to see what they cannot yet see! 

When I graduated from Uvic, my graduation gift to myself was a tablet to start drawing digitally. This not only helped me stay more organized, but it got me drawing every day! After only a year of digitally drawing, in 2020, Charity Williams (rugby star – 3x Olympian) reached out to about 18 artists. We all showed up and put in the work to make “More Justice, More Peace” an epic moment in time for Bastian Square. I painted alongside artists such as my good friend, Chloe Da Mata, and created a core memory we will never forget. 

I had been wanting to get back into mural work since my first taste back in 2020. I have been lucky enough to partner with Here Magazine since 2018 for various freelance work. So, when Fiona offered me the chance to create something beautiful for the new Black and Here Community Centre, I immediately said “YES!”. This is when I decided to incorporate the “More Justice, More Peace” mantra into the living piece that would be part of the downtown centre. 

As I’ve grown as an artist, Here Magazine has trusted me with their vision and given me opportunities that I am forever grateful for. They trusted me with coming up with an original art concept and incorporating their branding colours to take up a 10ft tall window (which you can now check out in the downtown area, on Douglas and Johnston). This was a big deal! Other than Bastian Square, this will be my most visible piece of artwork. 

I truly believe that you must be delusional about your dreams so that one day your brain fulfills those delusions (while also working hard and building lasting relationships). My plan right now is to continue building my mural portfolio and gaining more clients that trust my vision to bring epic illustrations and logos to life. It has been an honour to be part of the Here Magazine family over the last few years. It is even more exciting to officially be welcomed on as their Design and Development intern (2025).  

If you’d like a more detailed view of my portfolio over the years, please check out theswcreations.myportfolio.com and follow me on Instagram @theswcreations. 

Reach out with your vision and let’s make some magic!