Jacksonville illustrator-cum-wrestler signs with professional wrestling company

SAVANNAH, GA (03/04/2013)(readMedia)-- Sam Shaw, 2002 graduate of Allen D. Nease High School in St. Augustine and 2006 illustration graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, has recently been signed by the professional wrestling organization TNA (Total Non-stop Action) Wrestling.

Sam asserts that despite the apparent dissimilarities, going to an art school and studying illustration prepared him for his current career. Learning how to tell a story, working in front of the camera for his film major roommates and surrounding himself with artists who stress individuality gave Sam the skills and freedom to pursue his career as a pro wrestler.

Upon graduation from SCAD, Sam made his way to Orlando to work as an illustrator for Universal Studios, after which his returned to his hometown of Jacksonville and began working for the Riverside Arts Market drawing caricatures, with a side business creating "pet ornaments," drawing pictures of people's pets on Christmas ornaments.

Even now as a professional wrestler, Sam continues to draw and is currently working on a set of caricatures of TNA wrestlers for a new set of trading cards.

"Basically I'm a storyteller," says Sam. "The ring is a stage or blank canvas. Our job as pro wrestlers is to not only be physical but show emotion, connect with the crowd and entertain. The best way to describe my profession is I'm an actor who does all of his own stunts."