Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nathaniel Freson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Nathaniel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve had the privilege of creating is Bili the Brave, a children’s book I illustrated in partnership with the American Liver Foundation. Bili the Brave really stands out to me because it wasn’t just about illustrating a story, it was about creating something that could genuinely make a difference and bring hope into the lives of children and families navigating the challenges of Biliary Atresia.

Bili, the book’s main character, was designed to symbolize optimism, bravery, and community. I poured my heart into every detail, from designing the vibrant jungle settings to ensure they felt warm and welcoming, to carefully crafting each character’s expressions to convey kindness and encouragement. Knowing this book would bring hope to children diagnosed with Biliary Atresia and their families gave every part of this whole process a much deeper meaning.

Just last month, I had the incredible chance to travel to New York City for a gala hosted by the American Liver Foundation. The event honored the release of the book, the character, and even a plush toy of Bili. Being able to witness the impact of the project firsthand was an experience I will truly never forget. My artwork was projected onto the walls of a stunning, grand venue, and Bili the Brave books and plush toys were used for the centerpiece of every table. It was surreal and incredibly moving to see how much everyone in the room connected and resonated with Bili and the book as a whole.

What makes this project even more special to me is that it will have a lasting impact. These books will be available in doctors’ offices and other places where children and families with Biliary Atresia can enjoy them, offering them a sense of comfort and encouragement. Knowing that my work will continue to bring light to families during difficult times is one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Nathaniel “Natie” Freson, and I am a Savannah-based illustrator with a BFA in Illustration known to create vibrant, captivating visuals, which are inspired by my passions for storytelling, sports, and music. Art has been a part of my life since before I can even remember and over the years, I have worked very hard to develop a distinctive style that I really love. For college, I decided to study at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I was able to really fine-tune my skills and build a good foundation for my career.

I specialize in a wide range of creative works including children’s book illustrations, game packaging design, character design, graphic design, and portraits. My work often features bold colors and a strong emphasis on lighting, which helps evoke emotion and immerse viewers in the worlds I create. I also have the ability to animate my art, which adds another layer of dimension to my pieces. When I create my work, my goal is always to produce dynamic visuals that I know will resonate with my audience, whether it’s a friendly, heartfelt illustration for a children’s book, or an energetic, in-your-face portrait of an athlete.

What sets me apart from others is my approach to storytelling through illustration. I don’t just simply try and create art that looks good, I create work with the intention that it connects emotionally with viewers. Whether it’s through the warmth for a children’s book or the excitement of a sports portrait, I aim to bring ideas to life in a way that feels personal and engaging.

I’m most proud of a children’s book I did for the American Liver Foundation titled, Bili the Brave. It meant everything to me to be able to complete this project because it allowed me to be able to step in and actually make a difference in the lives of the children and families who have to deal with the hardships and challenges of Biliary Atresia. It is so hard to imagine having to live with Liver disease at such a young age and my heart goes out to all of the children that have to endure this. Another project I am proud of was when I designed the front cover and logo for Squid Squish, a fun and engaging board game. These projects highlight my ability to adapt to different styles and tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

I work closely with my clients, providing them with creative solutions that will bring the visions in their head, to reality. Whether I’m designing a logo, illustrating a book, or creating a dynamic portrait, I approach every project that I do with care, passion, creativity, and a strong commitment to delivering the best work possible. For me, it’s all about creating work that tells a story, engages the audience, and leaves a lasting impact. I want anyone following my work to know that I put a lot of heart into everything I create. I am always evolving and growing as a young artist, and I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries and sharing my work with the world.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my opinion, one of the best ways society can support artists is by sharing their work on social media and recommending them to anyone who might need an illustrator. Something as simple as reposting and sharing a piece of art can lead to many new opportunities and it can help us grow our businesses. Whether that connects us with someone who has more work to offer or reaches a potential client through a mutual connection. In today’s world, exposure, visibility, and word of mouth are everything. These small acts of support can make a huge difference in helping artists and creatives thrive.

There are also opportunities to provide more platforms for artists to showcase their work publicly. For example, local galleries and exhibitions could feature more pieces from emerging artists who are working to build a career doing what they love. Or, they could do special nights/events where all of the pieces are from young artists. This would not only boost the artists’ confidence and inspire further creativity, but it will also help them connect with a wider audience.

Another idea that I had while walking in downtown Savannah was to transform empty walls and spaces that I saw in buildings, shops, businesses, and other spaces into beautiful hand-painted murals. There have been numerous times that I have visited stores simply to admire stunning murals, and this kind of art not only highlights the artist’s talent, but it can also attract more foot traffic to the business. I think that this would be a win-win situation for both the artists and the businesses.

When young artists are given the right opportunities and support, they can thrive, grow in confidence, and pursue all of their dreams and ambitions with passion. The result of these things being done more often would undoubtedly be a positive influence on the world.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I created my Instagram page, @artbynatie, in 2017, when I had first gotten into drawing graphite portraits, specifically of athletes. At the young age of 11, my obsession with sports and basketball was beginning and in my free time, I would take pieces of printer paper and draw portraits of the players that I used to see in the old Sports Illustrated magazines. From there, I started posting pictures of the portraits that I had drawn on Instagram and as I kept posting every few days, my account started to get a pretty good amount of attention.

As I gained more confidence in my skills, I posted more consistently, connected more with my audience, and I was really trying to put the diverse range of pieces that I was creating on display. Over time, my work has drawn the attention of many celebrities like current and former NBA players, D’Angelo Russell, Lance Stephenson, Rj Hampton, Jordan Bell, etc., and also rappers like BabyTron, Zoe Osama, and many more which has helped me expand my reach and audience in a massive way.

One strategy that I found to be really successful is reaching out to the athlete or public figure I’ve drawn, as well as their fan pages, after completing a piece. I’ll ask if they like the artwork and if they would possibly be willing to repost it. Even if just one or two accounts share it, it often leads to the right audience discovering my page. This exposure can bring in new followers and fans who appreciate my work and may even reach out for work of their own.

My advice for artists who are just starting to build their social media presence would be to stay consistent with posting consistently, continue engaging with your audience, and to create whatever you want, just post it all. If you focus on creating the type of work that you love and are passionate about, the audience will naturally come to you. Lastly, it truly can never hurt to ask and to put yourself out there!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artbynatie.com
• Instagram: @artbynatie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natiefreson