Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Valente.
Hi Nick, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. Then one day, my dad brought home an old Spider-Man comic and I was hooked. I remember thinking how cool it was that someone did that as their job, and that’s what got me into wanting to pursue it as a career. As I got older I drew more but started taking it more seriously at around 20. I consumed every how to draw and anatomy book I could and started creating comics. I did anthology works and short stories, some mine, and some for other writers giving the industry a go as well. I eventually starting branching out into traditional painting, and even vector art for logo design, as I started teaching more workshops on various types of art. After a short time I realized I have a strong passion for teaching and sharing my art knowledge. So I started a YouTube channel and have held in person workshops as well, teaching topics from, logo design, vector illustration, cartoons, comics, character design, anatomy and more. So my current focus is teaching more and expanding on what I have to offer.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No certainly not, quite bumpy actually. But I think that’s how its supposed to be honestly. If it was easy everyone would do it. One of the biggest struggles for me personally has been finding my voice as an artist, and working to stay true to that. Its easy to get pulled along by trends and such, so its been important for me to focus on and remind myself what I like to create and why.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After years of doing various types of art to fill in a freelance career, I have been focusing on teaching and trying to expand on that. I have done everything from comics, character design, logos, vehicle wraps, spot illustration, editorial cartooning, figure drawing, and traditional painting as well. So I’m taking all of that experience and sharing what I have learned over the last almost 15 years, and building a YouTube channel to share that knowledge.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Oh most certainly. First, is definitely my family. They have always been by my side rooting me on. They have travelled with me and have been unbelievably understanding of the ups and downs of the career path I have chosen. And then of course those I have worked with. James Sarandis, Russ Gartz, and Tylar Lee are just a few of the amazing folks I have had a chance to work with or know. And from that we have formed long lasting friendships that I value greatly. James is an amazing comic book writer with his finger on the pulse of the industry. Russ, also a comic writer but prose as well, weaves intricately beautiful stories with his characters and settings. And Tylar is an absolutely incredible painter, his style is one of a kind and always gets me inspired to create!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://njvalenteart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/njvalenteart
- LinkedIn: https://buymeacoffee.com/njvalenteart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJALy6TLqgmM_1q92ai7qw
- Yelp: https://www.twitch.tv/njvalenteart
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/c/njvalenteart
