We recently connected with Athena Nicolaides and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Athena, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative and artistic path professionally when I was a child. As a child I was naturally drawn to art and rarely without a paintbrush in my hand.

I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in graphic design. Today, I work as a freelance graphic designer and video editor, and I paint regularly in my home-based art studio using acrylics as well as other mediums. In addition to my creative work, I am also a certified personal trainer.

Athena, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a freelance graphic designer with a strong background in print design. I spent many years working in a corporate design environment, which gave me a solid foundation in visual communication, deadlines, and collaborating with clients and teams.

My freelance work focuses primarily on print design, but I’m also well-versed in video editing, motion graphics, and photo editing. I design a wide range of materials including logos and branding, brochures, flyers, posters, business cards, social media graphics, advertisements, presentations, and promotional materials. I also create and edit video content and motion graphics for digital platforms.

I also sell my original paintings, which I create in my home studio, which reflect a more personal, expressive side of my creativity. In addition, I work as a personal trainer, helping women build strength and confidence through strength training.

I’m most proud of my ability to reinvent myself and create a career that truly reflects who I am. I transitioned from working for a company prior to Covid, to building my own path as a freelancer, artist, and certified personal trainer. That shift required adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to take risks.

I want potential clients and followers to know that I value creativity, growth, and balance, and I bring that mindset into everything I do. Whether you’re looking for a detail-oriented designer, original artwork, or need some support in getting stronger and aging well, I’d love to connect.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspects of being a creative are the opportunity to constantly learn new skills. Creative work allows me to grow and experiment in ways that feel both challenging and fulfilling. Unlike many professions, doing creative work centers on self-expression, giving me the freedom to express myself authentically. I also love the varied aspect of creative projects.

On a personal level, painting in my home studio is incredibly rewarding. As a busy mom, continuing to pursue something creative shows my daughters that it’s important to make time for yourself and the things you enjoy. It allows me to model balance, self-expression, and the value of nurturing your passions alongside your responsibilities.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2021, shortly after the onset of COVID, I was laid off from my role as a graphic designer at a local company where I had spent 16 years. With so much uncertainty at the time, I chose to step away from the workforce for a year to support my daughters through virtual schooling. As I began exploring a return to work, I found that securing remote employment was challenging, which prompted me to lean into another passion of mine—strength training.

I became certified as a personal trainer through ISSA and began helping women discover the benefits of strength training. Starting my own personal training business came with its share of challenges, but it also became an unexpected creative project. I designed my own logo and branding, learned photography and video editing, and incorporated motion graphics and visual storytelling to build my online presence. This allowed me to merge my background in design with my new career path in a meaningful way.

Today, I’m grateful to be working as a personal trainer while continuing to pursue my art through freelance design work and personal creative projects, blending creativity and entrepreneurship in a way that feels both purposeful and fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fitnesswithathena.com/
• Other: [email protected] – contact for art inquiries