We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicoleta Dumville a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nicoleta , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

When I was 15, I experienced a pivotal moment in my artistic journey: I sold my very first piece of art, an oil pastel drawing of a toucan. It was showcased at a local public art exhibit for teens held at the science museum. When I sold it for $100, I felt an overwhelming sense of wealth—not just financially, but emotionally.

That sale ignited something in me. It wasn’t just about the money; it was the recognition that people connected with my work. It gave me the confidence to embrace my identity as an artist and to share my creations with the world. Knowing that something I poured my heart into could resonate with others was a profound joy.

Even today, with every piece I sell, I feel that same thrill. It’s a reminder that art has the power to connect, inspire, and bring happiness—not just to the artist, but to everyone who experiences it.

Nicoleta , 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?

I’m a mixed media artist based in Denver, Colorado, and my work is deeply influenced by my Greek American heritage, the whimsical beauty of everyday life, and my love for the American West. My art spans a wide range of mediums—paintings, collages, and wearable art—and I love experimenting with different materials to bring my ideas to life.

I’m especially drawn to vibrant desert landscapes, where the colors and life forms of the desert inspire a lot of my work. I also enjoy creating collages that lean into the absurd and the otherworldly, which lets me push the boundaries of my imagination. Much of my art is shaped by the places I’ve traveled, my cultural background, and the everyday moments I find joy in—whether it’s a fleeting scene or an abstract idea.

I’m originally from Richmond, Virginia, and I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. I’m self-taught, so my journey has been a lot of exploration and discovery. I want my work to spark curiosity and joy in others, to make them pause and think, or even just feel uplifted. Art has always been a way for me to connect with the world, and I hope my pieces do the same for my viewers.

For me, creativity isn’t confined to one platform or material—I love experimenting and adapting my art across different forms, whether it’s painting, collage, wearable art, or even digital mediums. This freedom to evolve and challenge myself keeps my work dynamic and constantly evolving.

Equally important to me is sharing my art with the community. Whether through events, workshops, or collaborative projects, I believe in the power of art to connect people. It’s not just about creating in isolation; it’s about engaging with others, sparking conversations, and making art accessible. I’m always looking for ways to involve others in my creative process, and these interactions enrich both my work and my relationship with the community.

Overall, I would say my brand embodies a joyful, colorful celebration of life and nature, aiming to inspire and uplift those who encounter it.

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

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the ability to connect with others through my work. It’s not just about creating art—it’s about how that art resonates with people, evokes emotions, and sparks joy. When I see someone engage with my work and feel something, whether it’s curiosity, excitement, or a sense of wonder, it’s incredibly fulfilling.

I also find great reward in sharing my art with the community. Whether it’s through events, workshops, or collaborative projects, I love being able to create experiences that bring people together and inspire conversations. At the end of the day, it’s the connection—both personal and shared—that makes being an artist so meaningful to me.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I share a piece of my art on social media, I think of it almost like posting a selfie. My art is a reflection of who I am—it’s a part of me. For anyone who’s just starting out as an artist and considering using social media, my advice is to share it all! Show your process, the ups and downs, your successes, and even your mistakes. It’s a fantastic way to connect with fellow artists and viewers.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take risks. Almost all of the opportunities I’ve had as an artist have come from someone noticing my work on Instagram. It’s an incredible tool for building a portfolio, expanding your reach, and creating connections that might not have been possible otherwise.

I know social media can be a polarizing topic, but I really value what it offers—especially for artists. Personally, I follow at least 80% artists because I love seeing what others are creating, connecting with people, and being constantly amazed by the creativity in this community. So, my message to artists is: don’t be afraid to share your work. It’s one of the best ways to get noticed and build relationships in the art world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicoletapaints.com
• Instagram: @nicoletapaints

Image Credits

These are all my personal images.