Transforming Art with dots: Shane Cloyd’s Creative Journey with Our Dot Art

In a world where creativity and innovation intersect, Shane Cloyd has found a unique way to bring art to life. The founder of Our Dot Art, a custom Dot-style artwork company based in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Shane is pioneering a new wave of art that combines engineering, design, and nostalgia in a way that’s capturing the attention of art enthusiasts and Lego fans alike.

 

A Passion for Creativity

Shane’s journey into the world of Dot Art began during the pandemic, a time when many people found themselves looking for new ways to stay engaged. While building a Lego art set with his children, Shane realized that the market for such custom, intricate designs was limited. As an engineer with a love for programming and art, he saw an opportunity to create something truly unique.

“I thought, why not combine my engineering background with art and create something that allows people to turn any image into a Dot-style masterpiece?” Shane recalls. “That’s how Our Dot Art was born.”

What sets Our Dot Art apart is its customization. Clients can upload their favorite images—whether personal photos, family portraits, or iconic artwork—and watch them transform into dot-style Dot Art. The result is a modular, scalable piece that, when completed, serves as both a creative project and a stunning piece of art for the home or office.

 

The Concept: Functional Art

Our Dot Art offers more than just visual appeal. In addition to custom Dot-style artwork, Shane has integrated functionality into his designs. One of his standout features is the ability to create QR codes within the artwork, making it possible for visitors to scan the artwork and access a website, business card, or even a Wi-Fi password. This mix of art and technology creates a unique, interactive experience for users.

“Functional art is about more than just decoration—it’s about creating something that serves a purpose, whether it’s for personal use or as a conversation piece,” Shane explains.

 

Bringing Art to the Community

While Our Dot Art began as a passion project, Shane’s vision extends beyond just creating Dot Art. In October 2023, he opened a retail location in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, with the goal of bringing his creative vision to a broader audience. The space, located at 156 E. Lincoln Highway, is designed as a gallery where visitors can view and purchase Dot-style artwork, along with works from local artists.

However, Shane’s ambitions go beyond just selling artwork. He’s also working to create a platform for local students through his nonprofit, STEAM POWER. Focused on providing hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education for youth, STEAM POWER offers free programs in the Coatesville area, helping young people explore their potential in science, engineering, and the arts.

“I’m trying to give back to the community that gave me so much. I was fortunate enough to attend Milton Hershey School, where I received opportunities that most people don’t have. Now, I’m looking to provide similar chances for the kids in my community,” Shane says.

 

A Product of Passion and Persistence

Building Our Dot Art hasn’t been without its challenges. From delays in the development of the website to the unexpected hurdles of running a small business, Shane has had to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Despite these obstacles, his persistence has paid off, and today, Our Dot Art is poised to grow, with an expanding online presence and the support of a loyal customer base.

The journey to success, though challenging, has been deeply rewarding for Shane. “The best part of my work is seeing peoples’ reactions when they realize the artwork is made up of tiny dots,” he says. “From afar, it looks like a portrait or poster, but when you get up close, you see that it’s all these individual pieces coming together to create something unique.”

 

The Future: Blending Art, Engineering, and Community

Looking ahead, Shane is focused on growing both Our Dot Art and STEAM POWER. He continues to refine his Dot Art designs, working on new ways to integrate technology and creativity. In addition, Shane is building a Lego robot podcast that will feature a variety of content, including short videos and movie reviews, further expanding his reach and influence in the creative tech community.

“I want to build something that’s not just about making money, but about making an impact. Whether it’s through art, education, or technology, I want to help inspire people and give back to the community that’s supported me,” he shares.

Shane holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University and an MBA from Drexel University, which complement his engineering skills and passion for innovation.

To learn more about Shane’s custom Dot Art creations or to explore the wide range of designs, visit Our Dot Art’s Facebook.