Today we’d like to introduce you to Nic Surgit.

Hi Nic, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I began my journey as an artist like many artists before me have–I was a kid who was inspired by the stories I engaged with. Whether I was encouraged by my teachers in elementary or picking up my own books at the library, I found inspiration everywhere. I was enamored by the imagery conjured up by so many fantastic authors and illustrators, and I yearned to follow in their footsteps. Not only did these stories flood my brain with artistic ideas; they inspired me to write as well. As I pursue a degree in Illustration with a minor in Creative Writing, I am finding the best of both worlds in building visual as well as written narratives. My heart goes out to the authors and illustrators of stories past, as it was their own efforts and creativity that has inspired the new generation of creators!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Nothing about life is ever easy! Everyone has ups and downs, whether they pursue business and marketing or they turn to creative outlets. The journey of a creative is never linear. It exists more as a web of connections and opportunities which all leads to the present moment. Some struggles I face include self-doubt, anxiety, burnout, and more. When building a career as a young professional, your attention is required for every little thing. Your presentation, how you market yourself, your network…every piece fits into your puzzle. Juggling this on top of building your portfolio, applying to jobs, and attempting to squeeze personal projects between deadlines is a recipe for disastrous burnout. I’ve dealt with burnout more times than I can count, and it’s something that lies out of my control. Burnout is a huge reason why I prioritize work-life balance so strongly in my life. I ensure each day that I reward myself with a healthy amount of sleep, I allow for breaks when my brain needs it, and I make time for talking with friends and loved ones to keep myself steady. This is only one example of many struggles I’ve faced in my career, but I share this to let others know that they are not alone on this bumpy ride of life!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am currently pursuing a degree in Illustration and Visual Development, and I hope to one day find myself working in adult television animation. I am passionate about character design, prop design, illustration, product design, and more! I adore adapting stories into beautiful visuals that captivate audiences. My experiences, from children’s publishing to independent game design, have taught me invaluable lessons about my potential future as a working artist. I pride myself on my abilities to think of fresh ideas, as new perspectives is one of the most valuable traits young professionals can have! When applying to jobs, I find that I enjoy sharing these new perspectives with recruiters and detailing my artistic processes. It feels more personal, and it exemplifies my strengths as a candidate. I believe my strength lies in my uniqueness and willingness to break boundaries. The artistic industry is not one where you can blend in with the crowd; you must step out, show yourself off, grab the audience’s attention, and run with it!

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

Always keep trying, never give up. Even when things may seem grim, its your efforts that propel you forward and out of darkness. It is up to you to find your light! A superstition I learned from my mother is “bad things always happen in threes” and–when the world feels so dire–I turn to that superstition for guidance. When I feel as if everything is going wrong, I try to remind myself that all the wrongs in the world will eventually make a right. One may say I’m a believer in fate, and I’m proud to say that’s true. The right thing will always come along–it just takes patience and perseverance. Opportunity is always around the corner, and its your responsibility to stay strong, never give up, and always keep searching. You never know what you may find only a few steps ahead of you…

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicsurgit.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surgitart
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/surgitart/