Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nick Zaremba. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Nick , thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
The concept of making a full time living off being an artist is something I once subscribed to as an ideal but from my life experience this does not seem to be possible. I say this because I came to the realization of a few things. One thing is that “Art” is a luxury in society, only certain people are buying, and only certain companies are paying what the “Artist” is worth. Because of this I ran into a lot of anxiety and worry about when the next selling opportunity may be or when the next commercial job would come. As time went on and I got married and had my son Ziggy I realized stable income is much more desirable for myself in my situation. Now because I have a day job I do not have to compromise my artistic integrity to make a living. Keep in mind, this just works for me and my life situation based on trial and error. The key is to find a day job that you can bear or that aligns somewhat with what you excel in creatively. My advice to a younger creative would be to not see your ideals as set in stone and experiment with what you see as your goals concerning being a creative.
Nick , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hello there! I’m Nick Zaremba, an artist based in Massachusetts. I’ve always had a passion for creating, and my art spans a diverse range of mediums, including graphic art and illustration, painting, animation, video creation, print publication, and site-specific murals. See my portfolio at www.NickZaremba.com
Growing up, I was heavily influenced by skateboarding, DIY culture, graffiti, nature, counter-culture, and cartoons. These interests shaped my unique perspective and vision, which is reflected in my artwork. My style encapsulates the essence of playfulness and whimsy, with a vibrant and adventurous spirit that aims to inspire and captivate viewers.
My artistic accomplishments have been numerous, with my work exhibited in various locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong. One of my proudest moments was when my art was added to Takashi Murakami’s Superflat Collection.
Apart from my personal work, I’ve also collaborated with renowned companies such as PEPSI, Vans, Converse, Toy2R, Grillo’s Pickles, Cisco Brewers, and Neiman Marcus. Through these collaborations, I’ve been able to expand my portfolio and reach a broader audience while remaining true to my artistic integrity.
As an artist, I provide a range of products and services that cater to various clients’ needs. My clients come to me with different problems, and I work closely with them to create custom solutions that meet their unique requirements. I pride myself on being able to provide one-of-a-kind pieces that are truly unforgettable.
In summary, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my artwork is a reflection of my unique perspective and vision, and it’s designed to inspire and captivate viewers. My collaborations with renowned companies demonstrate my ability to create pieces that resonate with a broad audience while remaining true to my artistic integrity. I’m always looking for new and exciting projects, so feel free to reach out to me if you’re interested in working together!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
For me, the goal of my creative journey is to create artwork that inspires and captivates viewers while reflecting my unique perspective and vision. I’m passionate about pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues, whether it’s through experimenting with new mediums, collaborating with different artists and companies, or taking on challenging projects.
At the same time, I’m committed to maintaining my artistic integrity and staying true to my personal style and vision. I want to create work that stands out from the crowd and that people can connect with on a deeper level.
Ultimately, I believe that art has the power to bring people together, to inspire change, and to make a difference in the world. Whether it’s through promoting environmental awareness, a dive into the human condition, or simply bringing joy and inspiration to people’s lives, I hope that my artwork can contribute in some small way to making the world a better place.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
From being a full-time artist in Boston then New York City as a single male to starting a family and needing a stable day job was a challenging experience. Sometimes It can feel like a setback, especially since I have been pursuing my art career for a long time.
One of the biggest challenges was adjusting to a new routine and finding a balance between my day job and your artistic pursuits. It can be difficult to find the time and energy to create art while also working full-time, but it just needs some sacrifices and compromises.
However, there are also some positives that came from my transition. My stable day job can provide a sense of security and financial stability, which can help ease the stress and uncertainty that often comes with being a full-time artist. It also gave me a new perspective and new opportunities for inspiration and growth.
Ultimately, the key to navigating this transition is to remain focused and committed to your artistic pursuits, even in the face of new challenges and obstacles. It’s important to remember that this transition doesn’t have to be the end of your artistic journey; it can be a new chapter in which you can continue to grow and evolve as an artist, even while supporting yourself through a stable day job.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.NickZaremba.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/nick.zaremba
Image Credits
Nick Zaremba