We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nile Yang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nile below.
Nile, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I am so much happier as an artist, that’s not even a question for me! I think about what it would be like to have a regular job here and there, but I know for a fact where my heart lies. The last time I seriously considered getting a regular job was in Summer of 2021 and even still, when I went into my job search, I looked only for creative jobs and I didn’t even apply to any of them.
It was right after my first out-of-state Pop Up; New York was amazing as always and I was so happy and excited to be back and bring my art. Unfortunately, I made a lot of mistakes in the pre-planning and it resulted in a terrible experience. I spent a ton of money, I felt unsupported and alone, and to top it all off I didn’t make any sales and my fine art prints got ruined. I didn’t account for any of that. I was crushed when I came back, in debt, and going through a lot, so that week I went on Indeed and started looking for photography, modeling, and studio assistant jobs. I was over it; I figured, if I can’t be a successful artist and I can’t count on people to genuinely support me, I might as well find a job in a creative field where I can support others and be around art at least. I felt so defeated; I remember crying the whole time I was looking for jobs and feeling like I was giving up on my own dreams. I found a couple that somewhat interested me but I was never able to bring myself around to finish applying.
In the end, I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t about the money or other people; it was about my mental health and what made me happy. Even if that meant living in a van, losing friends, and my family thinking I was crazy, so be it! Making art fulfills me and makes me incredibly happy; I had to be willing to sacrifice the life I knew for the life I wanted. Thankfully, not too long after that, I did some great holiday markets and I was able to continue my work into this year. I’m eternally grateful to be able to continue doing this every single day and for all the opportunities, collaborations, and genuine support from the amazing local breweries and small businesses I’ve been working with this year. It’s the hardest job I’ve ever had, and I have no clue what the future holds, but I wouldn’t change it for the world and I am so beyond happy and grateful to be able to say I stuck to it and I’m living my dream.
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
I’ve always been really into art and started my creative journey as a child. I did pretty much anything that was artistic: painting, mosaics, jewelry and accessories, modeling, photography, dancing, acting and writing, all of it. I’d make all sorts of things for my parents and family members, and by the time I was in middle school I started trying to sell my creations in school and would also beg my dad and uncle to let me set up a table at their restaurants.
For the past couple years I’ve been focusing on my lifestyle boutique, Bohême X Nile Yang, and right now I’m mostly known for that and the jewelry I design. I am so grateful for all the growth my art has seen this year and all the people I’ve collaborated with and been able to make something special for. I pride myself in being a well rounded artist, so I love to take advantage of opportunities to work on my modeling and photography as well. As far as what I’m most proud of, I’d have to say it’s really my growth, personal and artistic, in the past two years despite all challenges and adversity. I’m also extremely proud of my Fine Art Photography projects and the blossoming of my whole brand as an artist.
I think what sets me apart from the rest is my fiery passion and the fact that I truly love what I do down to the very last detail. I craft everything by hand, refuse to compromise quality, and make sure I always remain authentic and true to myself.
Have you ever had to pivot?
It was actually earlier this year in Winter/Spring of 2022 when I decided to focus on doing Pop Ups and custom orders instead of Artist Markets. For the last 3 years I had been doing markets, these had become a source of anxiety and it was really starting to affect me and my relationship with my business. I had to take a step back from everything and reconnect with my love for my art, I did a few Picnic Pop Ups on my own that just felt so blissful, and decided it was time to completely restructure my approach to my business. I reached out to some places I really loved, and I was so scared because I didn’t know if anyone would support me alone, but I knew I wanted to bring my art closer to communities and have a more authentic relationship with my collaborators. Cultivation in Norcross was actually the first to respond and give me a chance, and it’s the best confirmation I could’ve ever gotten. The family friendly and community oriented setting unexpectedly brought me back home to the few little Pop Ups I had at my dad’s and uncle’s restaurants and the rest is history. I’ve fallen in love with spending the days sharing my art with the local brewery communities and I will be eternally grateful to Cultivation, Scofflaw, and every other local brewery that has given me the opportunity to share my art and reminded me of what I loved when I started my journey.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I would honestly have to say even being able to do my art full time is really rewarding in itself. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I never thought it was actually possible for me; not only did I not really have the resources, but I also only knew of a small handful of successful artists making it out of the island. I remember I was 13 when I found out you could even go to college for photography. That was such an incredible finding for me because it made me feel like I could go to college for something I liked and finally have a chance at an actual career.
So now, to be able to actually do it every single day, connect with people who love and cherish my work, and have the amazing opportunities to share my art, create special pieces, and bring ideas to life is just such an amazing and fulfilling experience for me. There’s no better reward than getting to live the life I dreamt of as a kid and knowing that as I successfully make it, it’ll help a kid back home know they too can follow their dreams; not only are they worthy but its actually possible.
Contact:
Website: nileyang.com
Instagram: instagram.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/nile_
Facebook: facebook.com/
Image Credits
Nile Yang