We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DIAMIN NICOLE. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DIAMIN NICOLE below.

DIAMIN NICOLE, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I had landed a job in enrollment for an institution with creative degrees. I was under the impression I would be helping students pursue their artistic passions through higher education. Boy was I off. I spent my days in a drab call center placing calls all day, praying someone would answer. To help time pass, I started spending my days doodling at my desk. While I placed call after call with no luck,I managed to brighten my spirits with art. I decided to call these drawings “Cubicle Creations”.They were fun, so I started sharing them to my social media pages and people loved them! I received a message one day from my sorority sister inquiring about one of my doodles and how she could purchase it. Purchase it?!? I was blown away. It was a small “doodle” on a piece of torn printer paper. She sent me a check for my art with a prepaid envelope to return and the rest was history. It may not have been drawn on fancy paper but the art itself was special, it evoked happiness and the value of the art itself was recognized. It was that moment I realized how important it was to share my art.

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.

I have always been a creative soul dabbling in various artistic backgrounds from photography to drawing to painting, art has always been a way to express myself. Through my journey of self-love and acceptance, I have embraced painting as my practice of choice. Art gives me a safe space to be free, allowing me to showcase my “insecurities” while highlighting the beauty of them. Through my art I create imagery of coiled curls that defy gravity, complexions that have been kissed by the sun, and curves from full lips to thick hips. My art is that boost of confidence to love the skin you’re in.

Knowing not everyone can budget for an original piece or they simply do not have the wall space, I knew it would be important to offer a variety of products. So, I introduced options with a range of price points to allow buyers to obtain my art at a price that works for them. I offer stickers, art prints, drink-ware and t shirts as well as my original paintings.

To be able to share my gift with others is beyond special. I’m proud to create art that is uplifting and inspiring. Knowing that my art makes a difference in how women may view themselves, drives me to continue to make art. I pray on this journey, I’ll continue to connect and meet people who appreciate the art I create.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being able to connect with individuals through my art. We may or may not share the same backgrounds, have had the same life experiences but art has a way of bringing people together. I love hearing how people relate to my art, the emotional connection, when they can see themselves within my art or when it reminds them of someone they know! It is a pretty dope feeling!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I spent 6 years working in the finance industry. While knowing it provided a secure income was comforting, it wasn’t fulfilling to my soul. It was disheartening watching somebody else’s dream come true as mine sat on the back burner. All my energy and efforts exhausted throughout the day, I barely had anything to give to my art. The opportunity to share with others that I was an artist would be the highlight of my days. My grandmother had told me “not to bury my talents in the sand, I had to have crazy faith and trust God” In life we have to learn to bet on ourselves. It may be scary but living with that feeling of “what if?” just didn’t sit well with me. I decided to “bet on me” I took that leap of faith and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to pursue a career as a full time artist. I am incredibly thankful for all the support!

Contact Info:

• Website: ETSY.COM/SHOP/PICTUREPEARLFECT
• Instagram: 1HELLOFA_DIAMIN
• Other: TIKTOK 1HELLOFA_DIAMIN