We recently connected with Nicole Lockhart and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

I think the importance about art education is that business education needs to go hand and hand. I noticed while in college that my art classes (my major) were more about art in a gallery setting. I think social media gives us such a big platform to share our art. Artist can do so much more than just share in a gallery. The education of how to sell your art is just as important as how to get art in galleries!

Nicole, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got into photography around 8/9 years old. Photography has always been my main focus, outlet and way to express myself. I started with editing photos of hannah Montana and stealing my brothers digital camera to take photo’s around the neighborhood! I am a Creative Director and Photographer. I give people a creative view of themselves and their loved ones! I also recently have been doing more directing and styling for other photographers and for collaborations with friends! It has been fun to work with others and share visions with each other! I am most proud that people connect with what I do and ask me to photograph them or their moments. Im proud that I am working hard to make my younger self happy and my dreams come true.

I dedicate this interview and my success in my career so far to my dad who lost his battle to cancer in August 2022. My dad was my biggest supporter.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think the most important thing about my journey is no matter what comes my way I do not stop. I will not give up so my journey will never end. I grew up in poverty and was homeless my whole teenage experience. I never let this or anything that comes my way stop me from going for my dreams. I have had to learn how to care for myself and not overwork myself but overall my will to never stop shows my resilience.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What I think helped me build a reputation in the Michigan photo industry is working with models! I did a ton of collaboration at the beginning of my career and just met people. I have always been open to meeting and sharing energy with people and I think this helped a lot with building my reputation!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.awakedreaming.art/
• Instagram: @ awake.dreaming

Image Credits
1. photo by Alainak.jpg