We recently connected with Nicholas Marino and have shared our conversation below.

Nicholas, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

While I have been at the forefront of many projects over the years, the one I have enjoyed most was the one that was least expected. I was in communication with a local artist about a mural he planned on painting to honor and recognize frontline heroes during the onset of COVID. He invited me along with the intent of taking photos of the work being done. So, as we drove around looking for a spot and getting a few no’s, this one business at a busy intersection gave their blessing. He along with another talented local female artist took to begin prepping the wall and sketching out their ideas for what the wall would pay tribute to and represent. It was a great time capturing these moments with these two talented artists and mind you, we are in an inner city setting, so we had non-stop noise around us and several people walking up and talking about the wall. It’s not every day you get to walk around and watch live painting unless you’re at a festival or a show specific to the arts.

I was talking to the local artist about a drawing I had done and asked if I could contribute to the wall and he didn’t hesitate to say sure. So, I took out my cans and began laying down the foundation for what I would do. We all assisted one another in our own creations and made our contributions during a time that had more questions than answers, more uncertainties and a lot of death happening around us. By divine intervention, this wall ended up being across the street from the city’s largest hospital and trauma center, so with this mural up, it will serve as a reminder to the frontline heroes that they too wear capes and are appreciated. The mural read “Thank You Heroes” with a nurse character and my Captain America character. It was a proud moment as I myself worked in an emergency room and will never be able to unsee what I saw during those times. Yet, as an artist, it was a way I can pay it forward and give thanks, so to be a part of this wall was humbling.

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?

I am a contemporary artist specializing in the use of acrylic and aerosol (spray paint) and have been creating for over 25+ years. I am self-taught and took inspiration from my father who was artistic, my aunt who was an interior designer and the museums my mother took me and my brother to when I was growing up. Art inspires me in almost all aspects of life and I mostly take inspiration from the photographs I take and the interactions I have with humans, wildlife and nature. While I have always worked in a traditional job for a career, I have relentlessly pursued my artistic passion and have been featured in global magazines, domestic art shows and have sold and continue to sell commissioned pieces. My clients have ranged from business owners to educational organizations (TeachForAmerica) to random strangers wanting a unique painting for their home or office space.

When working with a client/business, it is imperative to include them as a collaborator in the process of creation and what I mean by this is, executing a plan to allow their vision/dream to come to life. As a creative, it gives me great joy to bring pieces to life. Others have given feedback that they like my modern, contemporary approach and the use of vibrant colors and techniques I use to showcase both 2D and abstract work. While I will always create for me and represent who I am, who my family raised me to be and the integrity of my work, I look forward to seeing my work on display at galleries, libraries and handing over my pieces to be permanently installed in someone’s home, office or place of work.

When you work with me, you are working with someone that is authentic, genuine, compassionate, nurturing and LOVES the art of creativity. If you have something in mind, let’s connect and let’s make it happen! I look forward to connecting with you!

Society can support artists by doing just that –supporting them. I always say that society has their own interests and too often, we are supporting a celebrity or brand that is well-off and we purchase something we want because of a name or status of the brand. For example, you buy $400 shoes from someone you don’t know but won’t buy $200 art from someone you know. When you purchase an artists work or support a local small business, you are truly supporting them and helping them to grow. Artists thrive off the support of others whether that is family, friends, partners, community stakeholders and the list goes on. I read a post not too long ago that said something along the lines of ‘you don’t want to invest in my work at $10 or $100, but you’ll go buy shoes or a bag for $300. In a couple of years, when you want my work and it sells for $10,000, you won’t be able to afford me.’ Think about this and let is resonate with you because while every one has their own budget, artists work with all kinds of budgets. We do not work or sell for free, but our value and appreciation increases over time.

Murals and street art are known to bring immense cultural and meaningful impact to communities, they attract all walks of life and that in turn, supports local business owners and creatives in their own ventures. It sparks conversations, brings positive and healthy practices and promotes inspiration to our youth and young adult population. As for our creative ecosystem, we must practice more love, peace and kindness and move away from the ideologies that divide, promote hate and encourage violence. The whole purpose of us being humans and being unique is for us to come together and share who we are, what we represent, sometimes agree to disagree on our differences and still have respect for one another. We can do better as a society and that starts with supporting the arts, especially local artists who want a space to create.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The idea of becoming a YouTube, TikTok or IG star overnight is far and few. Is it impossible? No, nothing is, but everything good in life takes a certain level of work. What you put into it (i.e., time, effort, sacrifice, risk, money) all will determine what the outcome of your growth looks like and it looks difference for everyone. When I started building my presence on social media, I had a plan to be consistent and disciplined — which meant posting weekly and monthly, engaging with other creatives and following them, messaging random people and letting them know who I was. I didn’t see it wise to pay someone else to do that work I could do from a marketing perspective until it would get to a point where I would require the use of someone to assist in my market and visibility growth.

When you are starting off and thinking about getting into social media, know what you want and what your niche is going to be and stick to it. For example, if you are going to make a page about your crafts, then post about your crafts, follow other crafters and put yourself out there. Post videos, reels, shorts and go live so that you interact with your audience because your audience needs to know who you are and that you’re not some AI bot spamming them. Be authentic in your delivery and just be you. You will get spammed with lots of businesses saying they can help you build so you have to be cautious. I vetted the people who reached out, asked for references and did my own research before I invested some money into myself for myself. It is not required, but it can help if you go about it the right way.

The most important thing I will say about social media is to not take anything personal and don’t allow it to change who you are and what you stand for. Can it be toxic and unhealthy? Most definitely! So take breaks from it and don’t share every little thing about you there because social media is also not the safest kind of platform (this is especially targeted to younger audiences thinking about a launch). Your presence on your account will determine what crowd you attract to your page, so your behavior and the things you say will dictate that. For your business and your presence to be successful, you have to operate with a conscious mind, have purposeful and meaningful intent and build your brand for you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @the.mtv8r & @always.strive.to.elevate.life
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artbymar87

Image Credits

All images created and/or shot by me.