We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Franco. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.

Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The highlight of any day for me, since childhood, has always been when I was able to be creative and to do something artistic. We always had a good collection of old books, and my favorite was one from the 1970’s called, “The Know How Book of Print and Paint, Lots of ways to make pictures and patterns” by Sterling Publishing Company. I wasn’t able to read yet, but I was fascinated by the pictures. My mom would read it to me and help me do the various projects. As I got older I would look forward to the day we had art class in school so I could get back to whatever project we were working on. That translated into a nice size portfolio, and by the end of high school I had been accepted to The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. This was very exciting. I studied illustration and design and completed a concentration in art therapy. It was inspiring to be around so many creative people.

Nicole, 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?

Currently, I feel I am really just finding my way and at the beginning of a career based on my own art. Since art school I have worked a variety of jobs, moved around quite a bit and had my two beautiful children. Before the birth of my son I was a freelance graphic designer for a large company for a decade. This was fun, but I knew I wanted to focus on raising my children.
It was easy to find ways to be creative with my kids and also extremely inspiring to slow down, see the world through their eyes, enjoy nature, read books and experiment with art again. Now that they are getting bigger I am finding more time to work on my own art and help friends with their projects. I am always honored and grateful when someone trusts me to make the visual part of their ideas.
Another activity I’ve been able to do now that my kids are older is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I was lucky enough to take it up by chance, and in 2022 I joined The Jiu Jitsu Company in Philadelphia. I am amazed at the strong, kind, intelligent community we have there which is led by Angie and Josh Vogel. They always lead by example and it’s clear to see that they love what they do. I’m so happy to be a part of the team.
After I had been training for a while my son wanted to join the kids class but was nervous, so I asked if I could sit in with him. This led to helping out in class and eventually joining the coaching team when they were looking for a new youth coach.
That’s when I met Ashely Hansler who had been teaching the youth classes and we hit it off right away. We have the most fun together and love to help the kids learn, enjoy Jiu Jitsu and to see them succeed.
She created, Kidz Jitzee, a Jiu Jitsu board game that teaches the fundamentals of bjj. She trusted me to do the art and design for the project. This was so inspiring and fun. Along with Ashley and Angie and some other teammates, we have all joined together to create this project. I love that it came together through our Jiu Jitsu class, community and friendships. I am thankful to be a part of such a fantastic team and to combine art with this great sport.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is in the process of finding my own voice and vision and to spread positivity and to help others.
For our kids game it is a good feeling knowing we are helping our students learn Jiu Jitsu with a growth mindset so they can feel confident, have fun, and shine. This translates off the mat outside of Jiu Jitsu, and it’s not that much different for adults. We all need creativity, continued learning, and movement to feel our best!
I want to always create and work hard at whatever I do. It’s very important to me to be a supportive parent, to show my kids that they can do anything and to encourage them to follow their own curiosities. That’s where they will find their joy.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

We need to listen to each other, to be open to new ideas and try new activities. Buying from small businesses and artists is essential. When we see someone working and succeeding in their creative endeavors that inspires others to do the same and it leads to a chain of positive creativity. We are all creative in some form or another and it’s important to lift each other up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @gymcat_bjj
• Other: personal instagram @risingsundae