Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nick Kuchar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nick, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
Hindsight is always 20/20! I was blessed to become a full time artist in 2011 after years of waiting tables (and before that toiling in the design industry). Looking back you always wish you found your niche earlier in life. However, a lot of times it is all those things you learn along the way you can put in your toolkit that lead you to success.
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?
Aloha I am Nick! I’m an O‘ahu based artist and I create vintage inspired surf and travel art featuring our favorite locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. My creative process takes me throughout the islands where I look for inspiration paddling out at surf breaks and going on hikes. I take onsite sketches and photographs into my studio where I use a mix of acrylic washes and digital illustration to bring my vision of these locales to life.
I am always trying to hone my craft and explore new creative outlets. What started strictly as digital illustration has grown to include hand screen printing, merchandise, and original acrylic and mixed media works.
My favorite thing is connecting with customers through shared stories and experiences of the locations I illustrate. Finding common ground and emotional connections with folks you just met can be really special. It’s been such a blessing to be able to do what I love and I am beyond stoked when someone enjoys my work as much as I enjoyed creating it.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I think for most folks the pandemic stands out as a time when the word “pivot” came front and center. Prior to covid most of my work was sold through retail partners and when their stores were closed for a period of time we had that “uh oh!” moment… that usually goes into “pity party” mode for a couple days and then I get serious and try to strategize how to adapt and find success in a different way. Obviously many folks had a really difficult time for a variety of reasons over the past few years but there were some positives that came out of it and I try to stay grateful for those. For one I spent a lot of quality time at home with my wife and kids… prioritizing them and not being so caught in the rat race. I also learned how to screen print by hand and had a really fun time exploring that creatively in our then-quiet studio. Another idea I explored was weekly hand drawn sketches for my instagram customers which led to some great opportunities.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Most times I think the artists have the best chance to help themselves. By building up other creatives in the community along with educating themselves on proper pricing for clients, the rising tide raises all the boats. That is one reason I started a podcast. It’s called Secondary Colors and I bring artist friends onto the show and we discuss all of those challenges it takes to be an art entrepreneur and find success as a creative. I’d love for you to give it a listen and hope it helps you on your journey!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nickkuchar.com
- Instagram: @nickkuchar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickKucharArt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-kuchar-483a4a50/
- Twitter: @nickkuchar
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJM3xy12RCi4l5ARrv7nywQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nick-kuchar-art-and-design-kailua-2
- Other: Secondary Colors Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secondary-colors-with-nick-kuchar-and-friends/id1579420760
Image Credits
Andrew Rizer