Are you passionate about creativity, positivity, and representation? Would you like to be part of an uplifting magazine that celebrates diversity and individuality? Then this could be the opportunity for you.
I’m Steven Smith, Editor of 2Shades Magazine — a vibrant, happy LGBTQ+ publication where everyone is welcome. 2Shades is about joy, self-expression, and living life in full colour. We share stories that inspire, entertain, and connect people from every shade of the spectrum.
At the moment, the magazine is run independently and with heart. It doesn’t yet generate profit, and I’m not taking a salary for my writing or editorial work. But what we do have is potential, readership, and passion — a growing audience who believe in what 2Shades stands for: positivity, equality, and creative freedom.
Now, with my current partner stepping down who we loved and can not thank enough , The incredible Adishia chengappa,is going into full time eduction . I’m looking for a new collaborator or investor to join me on this journey.
🌈 Why Join 2Shades?
Be part of something meaningful. 2Shades isn’t just a magazine — it’s a community celebrating LGBTQ+ life, art, culture, and individuality.
Low entry, high potential. For £1,000, you can buy into the magazine and become my creative and business partner.
Help shape the next chapter. From editorial direction and digital strategy to sponsorship, advertising, and partnerships — your ideas will directly influence how we grow.
Your voice matters. Whether you’re a writer, marketer, designer, PR professional, or creative entrepreneur, this is a rare chance to make a real impact.
Build towards profit together. As the magazine grows through advertising, sponsorships, collaborations, and events, so does your stake and reward.
🌟 What I’m Looking For
Someone who believes in the message of inclusion and positivity — LGBTQ+ and allies alike.
Someone excited by independent media and the creative world.
A person who’s proactive, imaginative, and ready to build something with heart.
Ideally someone who can bring either creative skills, marketing ideas, or business insight — but most importantly, enthusiasm.
💬 Next Steps
If this sounds like you, let’s talk. I’ll share more about our readership, digital presence, plans for the year ahead, and how we can shape this partnership together.
Your £1,000 investment secures you a share in 2Shades, a say in editorial direction, and the chance to be part of something growing, inclusive, and joyfully unique.
Let’s make 2Shades not just a magazine — but a movement that celebrates difference and spreads happiness.
“I absolutely love Christmas,” says artist and designer Piluca Camino Alcón, her voice bright with the kind of infectious joy that instantly fills the room. “They used to call me Mama Xmas because I go all out. I host a big dinner on the 24th—that’s when we celebrate in Spain—and my doors are open to anyone who wants to join, especially those who might not have someone to spend it with.” For Piluca, the season is more than decorations or gifts. “I cook like a woman possessed,” she laughs. “Meats, seafood, you name it, it’s a proper bacanal! For me, Christmas is about people, laughter, music, and those real beautiful moments that make life worth living. My dinners are never those forced family affairs where everyone pretends to like each other. Mine are full of joy, dancing and love. It’s a celebration of life itself.”
This joyous, unfiltered energy seems to define everything about her. When asked if she’s been naughty or nice this year, Piluca laughs so hard she nearly spills her coffee. “This year I’ve been both gloriously naughty and impressively nice. I shattered expectations, ignored my own rulebook, and gave full permission to my wild inner freedom. I devoured all the cookies, then hit the gym like a warrior. Balance, darling—that’s the real art!” That combination of chaos and control, wildness and discipline, runs through both her personality and her work. Born in Madrid, she first came to London on holiday with her mother-in-law and fell in love with Brixton.
“The moment I stepped into Brixton in 1996, I fell in love. The energy, the cultural and ethnic mix, the unapologetic vibrancy—it was electric. There was this raw, unfiltered love for music and the arts, a non-judgmental openness in its people, and a market bursting with flavours, colours and life. It felt like home instantly.” She has stayed ever since, building a life and career rooted in that creative spirit. “I didn’t choose to become an artist,” she says simply. “I was born one. I have created for as long as I can remember. Being an artist is not a choice but a necessity. My ultimate aim is to connect, elicit a response and inspire through my practice.”
She has certainly done that. A published illustrator, sculptor, fashion designer and community organiser, Piluca was a finalist in the arts category for the WinTrade International Awards in 2018. During lockdown she threw herself into animation projects while developing her own fashion line. “Art is how I breathe,” she says. “My life and my creativity are so deeply intertwined that separating them would be impossible. Art is my voice, my refuge, and my power.” She speaks about her upbringing with disarming honesty. “My past shaped every part of me, and art became both my shield and my weapon. It has always been my therapy, my way of making sense of the world.” When she laughs, it’s the laughter of someone who has survived, rebuilt, and decided to celebrate it all anyway. Even under the mistletoe, she admits, there are no plans or rules. “Mistletoe’s kissing? Depends who’s standing under it first,” she grins. “I don’t plan these things. I improvise.”
That sense of improvisation seems to fuel her approach to both art and life. Her inspirations span from Spanish masters like Picasso, Dalí and Velázquez to contemporary icons such as Sarah Lucas, Judy Chicago and Yayoi Kusama. She’s also deeply influenced by the raw, expressive energy of street art. “It’s rebellious, emotional, connected to the real world. That’s what I love.” Yet, despite her international sensibility, she remains deeply rooted in Brixton. “London suits me fine,” she says. “I just dream of a bigger studio one day—warehouse big!”
“My dream for the year ahead is to keep evolving—becoming stronger, fitter, sharper. To keep inspiring my kids, pushing myself, and making the most of every moment.”
Family means everything to her. She has two sons, Carlos and Malachi, and both have inherited her creative fire. “Carlos reached Grade 8 on piano, and Malachi’s preparing for his Grade 5. They’re different but equally artistic. Carlos is grounded and business-minded, while Malachi is a free spirit, completely immersed in creativity, untouched by brands or status. At six, he said he wanted to be an artist, just like I did at his age.” Her eyes soften when she speaks about them. “What I teach them both is this: creativity is what sets us apart from the animal kingdom. It’s the ability to turn imagination into something tangible—to create what didn’t exist before. Life itself is art, and art gives life its meaning.”
Earlier this year, she travelled to Chicago to collaborate with acclaimed photographer Sandro Miller on his project I Am Beautiful, exploring inner beauty and self-love. “It was surreal,” she says. “Meeting him, his wife, his team—it felt like meeting someone from my tribe, someone who has used art as both shield and weapon. It was cathartic. I grew. I can’t wait to go back.” When asked what she wants most for 2026, her answer is immediate. “To keep being granted the strength, madness and magic to make things happen.”
As the conversation turns back to Christmas, Piluca’s eyes sparkle. “Christmas is the perfect metaphor for life,” she says. “It’s messy, loud, emotional—and if you open your heart to it, it’s beautiful. I don’t care about presents; I care about presence.” You can picture her back in Brixton, fairy lights strung from every corner, music playing, food piled high, her friends and family laughing and dancing around her. “That’s Christmas to me,” she says, smiling. “A celebration of life itself.”
Steven Smith joins Dr. Anna Kennedy OBE in Manchester to invite one of its leading artists, Dez, to become an ambassador of Anna Kennedy Online. https://annakennedyonline.com
In addition, this amazing artist has agreed to exhibit one of his incredible pieces at Autism & Art on May 22nd in London at the Fire Pit Gallery, generously donating the proceeds of the sale to the charity. Steven chats with the man everyone is talking about. https://www.firepit.art
Dez, known professionally as Loveartpix, is a self-taught Audhd artist and advocate from Manchester, England.
Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in his twenties and receiving late diagnoses of Autism and ADHD in his forties, Dez has navigated a complex mental health journey, also undergoing therapy for Complex PTSD. Art became a lifeline during this time, helping him process heightened emotional states and giving voice to his experiences.
Since fully immersing himself in art around 2018, Dez has used his creative work as both personal therapy and a platform for advocacy. Through his distinctive pieces — often centered around Manchester life and neurodiversity — he promotes the therapeutic power of art as a daily coping strategy. Sharing his creations widely under the name Loveartpix, Dez aims to raise awareness about neurodivergence in a largely neurotypical society.
His work is featured across the Northwest of England, including Manchester, Blackpool, and Cumbria, as well as internationally at the Normandy Memorial Trust in France. A passionate supporter of community initiatives, Dez regularly donates art to charities, raising thousands of pounds at auction.
In 2023, he won his first Autism Hero Award, recognizing his contributions to neurodiversity advocacy. He also launched the UK’s first Neurodivergent Art Focus Group, piloted at HMP Manchester with outstanding success.
For the past 3 years, Dez has been filmed for a documentary chronicling his late-diagnosis journey and the role of art therapy in his life. In March 2025, Loveartpix launched his debut Art exhibition where he also shared his platform collaborating with other neurodivergent artists. ‘A Neurodivergent Art Exhibition’ by Loveartpix showcased in Spinningfields, Manchester.
At 45, Dez sees himself as only just beginning to truly understand his conditions. He considers creativity not just a passion, but a vital tool for self-regulation and connection — and he remains dedicated to sharing his journey to inspire and support others.
Anna Kennedy says “We are thrilled to have Dez as an ambassador. I have followed him over the past few years and watched his passion and confidence grow through his creativity and digital artwork, especially after winning the Autism Hero Awards in 2023. As a self-taught autistic artist creating wonderful digital pieces, he will be a great role model for our charity. Dez can also share how his artwork has helped him through personal struggles, inspiring other autistic individuals to do the same.”
1. Hello, what does it mean to you to become a patron of Anna Kennedy Online?
Hi Steven,
Becoming a patron for Anna Kennedy Online (AKO) is such a privilege and an honour — not to sound too cliché! I have been involved with AKO for a few years through art donations, small projects, and also by winning the Autism Hero Award for Creative Arts and Media with them in 2023.
Since my late autism diagnosis in 2021 (at the age of 41), I have thrown myself into understanding my condition the best I can — not only to help myself, but to help others too, as I know there are so many people out there like me. Having been nominated for six awards in such a short time through my contributions in art donations and raising awareness, winning the AKO award was a major highlight for me.
Fast forward two years, and now being asked by Anna to be an ambassador just fills me with pride.
I have always had a creative flare but really started to focus on it when I was going through my autism assessment. It was a very difficult and disruptive point in my life processing such an epochal event. Stuggling a lot at night, using the Picsart app on my phone really fitted in, being the least disorderly. Any art piece I create, I really submerge myself into the topic and it gives my erratic thoughts focus. Realising that the art I was creating resonated with many people I decided that I wanted to use it as a tool to promote understanding and awareness as much as possible.
What artists inspire you?
To be perfectly honest, I don’t really get inspiration from artists — probably more from people. I am a naturally creative person, so when I look at life, I feel inspired by topics that intrigue and affect me, or by things I am passionate about. I am then drawn to create around those themes.
Being a self-taught artist, and because I use art as a tool for self-help, I haven’t formally studied art; I simply use it to process my emotions. It’s something I turn to when I’m struggling or when I need to focus my thoughts. I don’t feel like a traditional artist in the usual sense.
That said, I do follow many artists and art profiles on social media, and there are so many amazing artists out there. One artist I really like is @deanevansart on Instagram. His work is so vibrant and thought-provoking. If you get the chance, definitely check out his profile!
If you had to take someone out in Manchester, what one place would you take them to?
If I had to take someone to Manchester, it would have to be the Nag’s Head pub. The Nag’s Head is a true Manchester landmark, and I’m proud to say that, among the 4,000 images of the beautiful city I call home, I have two of my pieces in their collection.
One is a tribute to highly decorated war hero Harry Billinge MBE LdH — the largest piece in the building. (I had the honour of meeting Harry before he passed away and still stay in touch with his family.) The other is one of my ‘Bees About Town’ collection, displayed in the front window.
What does love mean to you and how important is it in your life?
Love is many things and shows itself in many forms. Helping and supporting people to make things better is love — depending on your personal feelings.
For me, putting myself in harm’s way to help others is a huge form of love. Missing out on events with my son due to my condition, but then being happy just spending time with him afterward — even though I felt upset about missing the event — is love.
Knowing that I would put my life in front of my family’s without hesitation, and valuing their lives far more than my own, is love. Self-sacrifice is love. Pain is love. Seeing others happy is love.
I actually find this a difficult question to answer, as there are so many variables to what love means.
They say “Big boys don’t cry” — do you think this is true?
I think this is such a harmful quote from a bygone era that still has a massive negative impact on society today — especially on the male suicide rate.
Crying is a way to process emotions. It’s part of being human. We all do it, and I find it such a bizarre notion that somehow suppressing it makes you tougher or better at dealing with life.
Being able to express yourself and be open about your emotions is, in my opinion, a very strong thing and speaks volumes about a person’s character. Yes, there are times when you have to deal with situations that require mental and physical strength, and you have to push through and fight — but I am really against this phrase.
No, I definitely do not think this quote is true.
How important is it to you to inspire and help others who want to create?
Art for me is the tool to understanding and processing things I struggle with. I know the positive impact it has first hand from my own experience. Obviously art comes in many forms too. Last year I piloted the first of its kind neurodivergent art focus group for prisoners in HMP Manchester which was a huge success. Art was the tool I used to get the prisoners to explore how their condition affects them in the hope of supporting rehabilitation. Some of the prisoners used words and created poems, some preferred to paint, and others liked to draw. I then collated what was created by each individual and edited the final pieces on the Picsart app to create a unique collection – which I will be displaying at a later date. It’s well documented the power of creativity and art therapy so for me I try to promote this at every chance I get.
What would you like to achieve next?
On a personal level, I would like to achieve a sense of mental contentment and balance. For me, this would mean understanding my condition much more deeply. Although beginning to understand it has already helped me so much, I still struggle and fight daily. I want to continue striving to be a good parent and family member.
In my career, I have a lot of projects in the works, so I will continue to develop these and, hopefully, help many more people and bring about positive change. I guess my main goals are to be a good role model, help others, and continue turning what I go through into something positive — oh, and now, to be a good ambassador for AKO!
I’m always in search of unique art and now that I’m back in my home city, I wanted to explore the world of artists in Bangalore.
I found Ragini Chatterjee in the depths of an Instagram stalking session on a page that promotes young artists in the city.
I was blown away by her ability to not only make me wide-eyed at her work on first glance, but also draw me into the intricacies of her art.
Being away from home and in the UK for a couple of years sidetracked my memory of the rich talent that exists within my own people. I’m so glad my stalking, I mean, research skills led me to Ragini’s mind palace, one that seems to hypnotise me in an instant.
I still can’t stop looking; I had to know the heart behind this enigma. And so I asked her some questions to get know who she is for you and for me.
When did you first recognise your talent? What was your first ever painting?
I’m not sure if it was “talent” or simply my overactive imagination that led me to painting. I spent most of my classes doodling, but my first “proper” drawing, one I remember being proud of, was a sketch of Aang from The Last Airbender. I think I was around 9 years old.
What does your art mean to you?
Art is how I process the world around me. Whether it’s a book, series, or movie I’m captivated by, expressing my excitement through art brings me peace. On a deeper level, art allows me to visualise insights about life that resonate with me. Sharing these pieces is fascinating because others often interpret them in ways that reflect their own experiences, creating a unique dialogue between the viewer and the work.
If you could vouch for other artists, what would your message be to the world about the importance of self-expression?
To anyone who feels deeply—whether you’re an artist or not—self-expression is vital. Whether through art, music, fashion, or dance, it’s a natural outlet that should be embraced. Suppressing this instinct can feel overwhelming, and letting it out often creates something beautiful. In today’s fast-paced world, self-expression serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity.
A portrait called ‘Mommy’
There’s an abundance of extraordinary talent such as yourself in India. I’ve come across many who feel overwhelmed by the competition in the creative industry and settle into different industries to survive. What are your thoughts on this? Does survival overrule passion? Or does it depend on how one perceives it?
I feel fortunate to create for myself, but I’d be lying if I said recognition didn’t motivate me. However, I wouldn’t describe the creative industry as “competitive.” This perspective probably stems from my choice not to pursue art as a full-time career. By separating my livelihood from my art, I’ve been able to enjoy the process without the pressure of survival, allowing my passion to thrive independently.
Who or what has inspired you to create your pieces?
Life inspires me—everything from a captivating colour scheme to an idea I need to visualise. For example, I painted Behind the Kitten to challenge the misconception that cuteness equates to weakness. In college, I explored the myth of Icarus to reflect on self-discovery and freedom. During the pandemic, I delved into Pandora’s myth, and more recently, I created a piece about self-care inspired by the idea that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Explain the creative process behind your work. Is it a cathartic journey? How does it make you feel?
My creative process begins with a need to express something—whether it’s an idea that’s been simmering for weeks or an immediate fascination with a book, movie, or series. Once I find a reference photo, I dive in, spending anywhere from half an hour to a week on the piece. While creating is cathartic, I’m often preoccupied with achieving aesthetic beauty, which makes it challenging to feel fully satisfied with my work.
What do you wish for people to experience through your work?
I hope my art evokes a sense of connection and invites viewers to appreciate its aesthetic qualities.
Tell us about a response you’ve received about your art that made you feel happy or seen.
There isn’t a single comment that stands out, as my satisfaction primarily comes from how I feel about a piece. However, I enjoy hearing reactions like, “Wow, that’s so pretty.” I also love when people share their interpretations of my work—it’s fascinating how their perspectives differ from my own.
You’re currently in Paris. Has the cultural shift played any role in the expansion of your vision? I believe life experiences can elevate one’s art. Tell us about your experience.
While my surroundings have changed, my art remains influenced by similar themes—my life experiences, books, movies, and shows. The cultural shift has enriched my perspective, but I wouldn’t say it has drastically changed the essence of my work.
How can someone find you, your work, and reach out to you?
I have a website where people can leave messages, but the easiest way to connect with me is through Instagram or email.
To reach out to Ragini, email her at raginichatterjee99@gmail.com
2Shades Magazine 