We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Bonasoro recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Whenever I’m going through a difficult time I turn to art to help me get through it. I’ve been doing the #The100DayProject founded by Michael Bierut and spread by Elle Luna, where you’re meant to come up with a theme and make something inspired by that theme every day for 100 days.

One of the most meaningful projects that I have worked on is my “Little Reminders” series – my fourth 100 Day Project. When the pandemic hit it was a very uncertain time for so many reasons – I was feeling lost and helpless like so many of us were. I wanted to inspire myself and others with daily reminders of positive and playful messages that were meant to lift us up during those dark times. There was so much negativity surrounding Covid and the news so I wanted to spark joy by sharing my creations.

Since we were stuck at home, a lot of the inspiration from this series came from everyday objects found at my childhood home outside of Boston, where I stayed with my partner for the few months of the pandemic. Objects ranging from a Rugrats jumpdrive to a magic 8 ball, a Gumby figurine, sprinkles, Lisa Frank, and Lucky Charms inspired this series. Nostalgia is a theme I explore in my work and I used this series to tap into the 90s in a fun way.

The project eventually translated from print / digital works to clothing. My sister owns a screenprinting and embroidery shop back home and I worked with her to print my designs on tees, sweatshirts, and beanies.

I didn’t initially see the clothing as a way to give back, but I’ve had the opportunity to donate some of my work to LGBTQ+ organizations including wayOUT, ACLU of Tennessee, and The Trans Formations Project.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Nicole and I’m from right outside of Boston (still have the accent!). I moved to NYC 13 years ago to pursue graphic design to the fullest in one of the world’s most inspiring cities.

I’ve had the chance to work in a wide variety of environments focusing on both print and digital work. In my style I incorporate hand drawn text and icons in various patterns and designs. I am inspired by typography, nostalgia, food, package design, and music.

One of the main themes of my work is nostalgia. I am always longing for that happy place when I was a kid, and it tends to be in the form of 90s culture and music. One of my favorite projects was my #100DaysofthrowbacksbyNRB series. In this project I worked with different mediums such as velcro, pogs, fruity pebbles, pop rocks and skittles. I love experimenting with different mixed media – variety is what keeps me inspired.

I am a collector and I always save packaging and print materials such as wrapping paper, candy wrappers, magazines, calendars, etc. for inspiration. I aim to incorporate upcycling practices into my work when I can by re-using these materials and giving them a new life. I like to make things feel special and find ways to include these salvaged paper items in gift giving. For example, I create unique handmade tags when I send out clothes, I write handwritten notes to all clients, and I line the box/package with patterned paper. I want each item to feel special – not just the gift, but the entire experience of receiving and opening the gift.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I think that my purpose on this planet is to spread joy, and one of the ways I do that is through creating. My art is whimsical, optimistic, playful and nostalgic and I hope to bring those feelings out in others.

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

For me it’s twofold. Art is therapy for me, it’s part of who I am and I need it in my life. It’s rewarding to have the opportunity to create art for art’s sake. It also gives me joy when others are inspired by what I make or when it can help them get through a difficult time. A friend of mine struggles with addiction and some of my Little Reminders have helped them stay on track. The fact that I’ve made a difference in one person’s life is enough for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolebonasoro/