We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nancy Made a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nancy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
In my journey as an artist, chasing after nostalgia has always been at the core of my creative process. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of capturing the essence of memories and emotions through art, which led me to explore a wide range of multimedia techniques. My learning process was very hands-on; I experimented with different materials and mediums—like watercolor, colored pencils, digital art, and collage—blending them together to create pieces that evoke a sense of timelessness and familiarity.
Looking back, I realize that I could have sped up my learning by focusing more on understanding the principles of each medium before diving into experimentation. It’s easy to get lost in the creative process, but having a strong foundation in techniques would have allowed me to combine them more effectively earlier on.
The most essential skills for me were adaptability and a willingness to learn. Working with different media requires an open mind and the ability to adjust quickly when something doesn’t go as planned. Additionally, being able to draw connections between different techniques and styles was crucial in developing my unique artistic voice.
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was the overwhelming amount of information available—choosing what to focus on was often challenging. There’s also the constant battle against self-doubt, especially when exploring new techniques or pushing creative boundaries. However, overcoming these challenges has only made my work stronger and more reflective of the nostalgic themes I’m passionate about.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello! My name is Nancy, and I’m an artist deeply inspired by nostalgia and the emotional connection it brings. My creative journey began in an unexpected way—I originally majored in game concept art. However, my path took a turn when I enrolled in a surface design class taught by the incredible Charla Pettingill at SCAD. Her passion and expertise in surface design opened my eyes to a whole new world, and I quickly realized this was where my heart truly belonged. I couldn’t have made a better choice, and I’m forever grateful for her guidance throughout my years at SCAD.
Today, I specialize in creating colorful, hand-painted designs that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, using a blend of traditional and digital media. My work is currently focused on the papergoods and baby clothing industries, where I strive to bring a touch of whimsy and authenticity to every piece I create. Whether it’s designing patterns for stationery or creating charming prints for children’s clothing, my goal is to craft pieces that resonate on a personal level, reminding people of cherished memories and simpler times.
What sets my work apart is the multimedia approach I take—I love combining various techniques and materials to create something unique and visually engaging. This process allows me to infuse each design with a depth and richness that truly stands out.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the ability to translate my love for nostalgia into designs that bring joy to others. I’m passionate about solving creative challenges for my clients, whether that’s through developing a distinct visual identity for a brand or creating products that tell a story. I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating meaningful connections through art. My brand is all about celebrating the beauty of the past while embracing the possibilities of the present, and I’m excited to share that vision with the world. Everything is 100% made by Nancy!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is seeing the final product come to life and knowing that it resonates with people on a deep level. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating a piece of art that allows people in my culture to feel heard and seen. A lot of our experiences are shared and relatable, and when my work reflects that, it becomes more than just art—it’s a way of connecting with others.
What makes this connection even more special is the role of nostalgia in my work. Nostalgia is bittersweet and fleeting, and that’s what makes it so beautiful. It’s the sense of longing for moments that have passed, yet still linger in our hearts. When my designs evoke those memories and emotions, it creates a profound sense of belonging. Knowing that I can capture that delicate balance between joy and melancholy is what drives me to keep creating. It’s about making a meaningful impact through art, and that’s what I find most rewarding.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Absolutely! One moment that really illustrates my resilience was during my time at SCAD when I was working on a major project. The deadline was tight, and the scope of the project was immense, involving a complex mix of traditional and digital media. I thrive under pressure, and once I get into something, I can’t stop until I’m completely satisfied with the result.
There were moments when I was exhausted and doubting whether I could finish it on time, but I kept pushing forward, driven by my passion for the work and my determination to see it through. I stayed up countless nights refining every detail, knowing that anything less than my best wouldn’t be enough.
In the end, the project was not only completed on time, but it also exceeded my own expectations. That experience reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and showed me that when I’m passionate about something, nothing can stand in the way of achieving it. It’s a mindset that I carry with me in all my creative endeavors today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nancy-made.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/100nancymade/?next=%2Favaferferii%2Ffeed%2F&locale=en_US%2Cen_US
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-m-b70913290/
