We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Living Dead Girl Nicole Garcia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Living Dead Girl Nicole, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Growing up with a dad who was an artist was definitely both an advantage and a blessing. From a young age, I knew creativity flowed through my veins, but seeing my dad’s work firsthand and learning from him directly had a massive influence. I would often win local coloring contests and art competitions because my dad had taught me techniques that other kids my age didn’t know. His mentorship made my work stand out to the judges, and even as an adult, he continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance. His influence was foundational to my growth as an artist.

While my public schools didn’t have a strong art program due to limited funding, I made the most of every opportunity I could. I absorbed all the advice and feedback my teachers offered, but I also realized early on that I needed to look beyond what was available to me. I encourage young artists to do the same: seek out additional opportunities in their community, network with others, and not limit themselves to what’s offered in school. This approach was essential for me, and I continue to follow my own advice today.

A perfect example of this was when my friend Jim invited me to join a horror-themed prop-making class. The techniques I learned in that class were a game changer, and they have directly influenced many of the art pieces I create today. It’s a great reminder that learning doesn’t always come from traditional sources, and often the most impactful skills come from unexpected places.

Living Dead Girl Nicole, 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 express my creativity through various mediums but have become known for my split-face portrait drawings, wearable Dead Girl Decay accessories, metaphysical crystal healing creations, Moffins (monster coffins), and creepy corpsified props and dolls. I thrive on things that get my creative blood flowing, and I’m drawn (pun intended) to finding beauty and magic in the odd, macabre, and whimsical!

If it’s creepy, spooky, and has a dash of glitter, neon, or monster fur, I probably own it—or have made it. I embrace what I love and draw inspiration from the things that intrigue me. My concepts and subject matter might seem unconventional to some, but that’s what happens when you give a whimsical goth a paintbrush and a glue gun. My work often speaks to those who are open minded and can find beauty even in darkness. When people ask about the balance of light and dark in my work, I explain to them about my deep connection and admiration for the goddess Persephone—because why can’t one bloom as the goddess of springtime while also being the Queen of the Underworld? I feel that thinking outside the box and taking away labels is where the real magic happens.

When I’m not expressing myself through my personal art, I can be found utilizing my out-of-the-box thinking and creative skills in the marketing world. In my free time I am usually supporting fellow artists and musicians, networking at local oddities markets and shows, or geeking out and giving back to those who inspire my work at horror movie and pop-culture conventions. Being involved in these amazing circles has opened many doors and opportunities for me, such as collaborations with bands and becoming the VIP Collaborator for Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Con. When it’s time to disconnect and take a break from the real world, I thrive on finding magical getaways to go to with my husband Frank to recharge our energy. So if you don’t run into us in full costume at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, we are usually hibernating in a hobbit cabin somewhere in the woods. Those who are interested can read about my “artventures” on my blog that I use and update to stay connected with my “Freaky Fanatics” (clients and followers).

In addition to my Etsy shop, I work with my amazing consignment partner, Chris Pluymert , at Closet Collectibles in Crete, Illinois, where I’m proud to be the only artist with my own full display case in this incredible pop culture collectibles store. You can stop by to see it in person and purchase directly from the shop! I also have special, one-of-a-kind creations available there that aren’t sold online, making the experience of visiting the store even more unique. Having my creations showcased in this exclusive space is one of my biggest artistic accomplishments. It’s an honor to have my work featured in a store that celebrates pop culture and nostalgia, and it fills me with pride to know my art is part of such a unique vision. This opportunity not only validates the hard work and passion I’ve poured into my craft, but it also inspires me, knowing that my work has a special place in a space that celebrates the imagination and embraces my inner child.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom to fully express myself. It’s like having a blank canvas or project that I can fill with the weird, wonderful, and sometimes wild things that float around in my head. As a creator, I get to bring my inner world to life that others can connect with. That kind of creative freedom is liberating—it’s not just about making art; it’s about telling my story without any limitations, and in doing so, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own unique voices and express themselves without fear of judgment. Whether it’s through the odd, macabre, or whimsical, being an artist allows me to explore the beauty in the things that are often overlooked or misunderstood, and that’s what makes it all so deeply rewarding.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Buy art! When you purchase art, you’re not just buying an object—you’re investing in the blood, sweat, and tears that go into the creative process. Big box stores might be celebrating with their yachts and corporate bonuses when you buy from them, but for artists, each order feels like a personal victory. We do happy dances when we get an order because it means someone truly appreciates the time, effort, and soul we’ve poured into our craft. It’s a celebration of the connection between artist and supporter, and that’s something mass-produced items can never replicate.

Stop using AI to create art for you. For me, everything is hand-drawn, painted, or crafted because it has soul. I believe art made by human hands carries something special—the flaws, the imperfections, the moments of inspiration that a computer can’t replicate. AI-generated art may be quick and efficient, but it lacks the depth and emotional connection that comes from a real person’s creative journey. We need to honor the handmade, the imperfect, the human—because that’s where the true magic happens.

Invest in creativity at all levels. Whether it’s buying art directly from artists, supporting local galleries, or funding art programs, your investment helps build a thriving creative ecosystem. When we support artists, we’re nurturing culture, sparking innovation, and creating a world where creativity can continue to thrive. Art isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It fuels our imaginations, connects communities, and reflects the complexities of the human experience. When you buy from an artist, you’re contributing to something much bigger than just the art itself—you’re supporting the creative spirit that keeps us all growing and evolving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artworkbylivingdeadgirlnicole.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/livingdeadgirlnicole/
• Other: Blog: https://artworkbylivingdeadgirlnicole.wordpress.com/
  Etsy: https://livingdeadgirlnicole.etsy.com/