We recently connected with Arson Nick and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Arson , thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Growing up, my childhood home was full of music. You could walk from one end to the other and hear at least four different genres at a time, almost as if art and culture was pouring out of each and every room.

My Parents, Joe and JoAnn, are both creatives in their own right. My Father brought me up on classical guitar and science documentaries; while my Mother, an aspiring florist, had a passion for interior design and all things beautiful.
My artistic imagination was constantly being fed and I’m grateful for that, I felt as though I had the creative resources to dream up anything I wanted.

But perhaps the thing my parents really did right was that they never stifled my creativity. I wasn’t expected to study any one particular medium and my artistry was never questioned. I’ve always been myself from a young age and I think that being able to embrace that has had a lasting impact on me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Allow me to introduce myself!
My stage name is Arson Nick, ‘The King of Kingsville TX’, I’m 23 y/o and I am a theatrical male impersonator, known as a Drag King.

My style is best described as 3D; deadly, debonair, and demented. Im most inspired by the macabre and misunderstood, seeking to bring darkness into the spotlight with my cinematic storytelling.

I’ve always had a lot of hobbies! So drag for me became a culmination of all my great creative loves put together to amuse and inspire my audience.
I conceptualize, handcraft costumes, make props, mix music, apply cosmetics, and choreograph each of my routines. 

One of the works that I’m most proud of recently debuted at Austin International Drag Festival!
Dressed as a hauntingly beautiful Vampire Count, I tell the story of my life to the tune of ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra under the full moon. As I take my final steps, night turns into day, and smoke begins to erupt from my body.
I drop to my knees and lip sync with an agonizing expression as the song reaches its crescendo… “I did it my way!”, My talon-like nails reaching for the sky.
As the music fades, I dramatically slump over the edge of the stage. Smoke continues pouring out of my costume as the audience cheers. 

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Hands down the most rewarding thing for me is when I finish performing and people come up to me and say, “you inspired me” or “I came just for you.”

I have been blessed with the sweetest fans in all creation! Since I spend most of my time in preparation, I don’t often get to comprehend the impact that I have on others until after a work is completed.
So it’s always a treat to know that people are excited to see me and that what I do is well loved.
It really makes all of the blood, sweat, and tears, feel worthwhile. I love my fans with all my heart!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In order for a creative ecosystem to thrive, artists must first be able to survive.

It’s no secret that POC and LGBTQIA+ people make up the backbone of the fine arts that we all love and enjoy today.
From music to fashion, to culinary works and dance; without their creative contributions, the world as we know it would be silent and uniform.
When Government puts unnecessary strain on marginalized communities by cutting funding for education, illegalizing health care, or raising housing costs; it puts millions of people into survival mode.
Priorities begin to shift from “What am I going to make today?” to “How will I make it today?” Art becomes an outlet for outrage and good people have to make tough decisions just to get by.

I believe that the most beneficial thing we can do as a society to support up and coming creatives is by understanding that art history, culture, and modern politics go hand in hand.
We must arm ourselves with this knowledge and make educated votes that support the betterment of the people whom are the most vulnerable!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Linktr.ee/arsonnick
• Instagram: @king_arsonnick
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/King.arsonnick?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Arsonnick?si=GkEsgOqXj5ud4On6
• Other: Tiktok: @king_arsonnick

Image Credits

Carlitivity Creations
Weather Machine Studios
Debbie Noble Photography
Robyn Valentine
Arson Nick