Hi, I’m Latosha.

Oil painter. Skater. Digital Artist. Manga Reader. Friend. Anime Lover.

Latosha Ann Stone, known by her artistic alias "ToshaIsGnarly," is a painter and graphic designer who hails from Greenville, Ohio. With a passion for self-expression, she creates captivating artworks that depict cute yet fiercely empowered women. Drawing inspiration from anime and surrealism, Latosha's vibrant pieces demand a second glance, inviting viewers into a world where strength and femininity converge.

Latosha's artistic journey began at a young age, when she was captivated by the world of art. Her first inspiration was an uncle that lived with her temporarily, who painted landscapes. In school, she was the kid who couldn’t resist sketching in the margins of homework. She recalls a pivotal moment in second grade when she won an award for a deer she had meticulously drawn. It was a proud accomplishment, but upon taking it home, the enthusiasm was met with ridicule from someone close. Looking back, that experience might have been a turning point, fueling a determination within to continue pursuing her passion for drawing. In middle school, her focus shifted towards capturing the essence of her favorite celebrities through intricate portrait work. It was during this time that she discovered the power of portraiture to convey emotions and connect with others on a deeper level. Those early experiences set the foundation for her artistic journey, shaping her into the artist she is today.

She further honed her skills by pursuing formal education. She obtained an Associate of Arts degree from Sinclair Community College, where she explored various artistic disciplines, including photography, sculpture, drawing, and painting. Her talent and dedication were recognized with the prestigious Art Department Scholarship on three occasions.

Continuing her artistic growth, Latosha pursued a Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies in Graphic Design from Wright State University. During her time there, she delved into diverse aspects of design, such as illustration, typography, packaging, layout, video, photography, web design, 3D, and publication design. Additionally, she expanded her knowledge in areas of e-commerce, business management, advertising, and branding. Latosha's involvement in the Design Professionals Club further enriched her understanding of the field.

Putting her paintings on skateboards took her art career to a new level, which led to many notable features such as Beyonce’s Black Parade list. Her work has been featured in Zumiez, the HBO Show “Betty,” DC Comics, and galleries across the United States.

Since her brand Proper Gnar’s inception in 2012, it has disrupted the skateboarding landscape - from a sport primarily viewed as young and male- oriented. Latosha aims to banish the stereotypes and orchestrate the beginning of a new dawning. Her brand empowers, uplifts, and showcases women, especially women of color, to jump onboard and skate.