Today we’d like to introduce you to Nico Sun

Hi Nico, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My name is Nico Sun, and I am a New York-based working artist. My artistic background is in illustration and printmaking. Currently, I teach art classes to young students and create art in my studio after hours. My practice involves drawing and printmaking, as well as object-making and community-based projects.
When I graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2019 with my BFA, all I wanted to be was a freelance illustrator, and that was my first job. I did commissions online but soon realized that working in isolation was not ideal for me. I wanted to work with people.
By coincidence, I received a job offer to teach children’s art classes with Korean American artist Injung Oh at her non-profit OH Art Foundation, located in Chicago’s Zhou B Art Center. At the time, I had no prior experience or intention of working with children.
In 2022, I continued my studies in printmaking at Pratt Institute, and once again, I found myself wanting to work with people and communities. I sometimes host printmaking workshops in my studio. During my first year, I participated in a residency program with COPE NYC, through which I created a series of public artworks for Little Flower Family Service. I painted wooden cutouts of my original characters playing hide and seek and placed them in various locations within Little Flower’s space, transforming it into a more family-friendly environment for visitors. I often receive photos of families posing with these artworks, and it makes me happy to know that my work is bringing joy to the community and will continue to do so in the future.
Recently, I earned my Fine Art MFA. Since last year, I have been teaching art classes again to young students here in New York City. My students are primarily Chinese American teens aspiring to pursue art in high school or college. As someone who came to the US alone as a teenager, I believe my experience offers valuable insights both as a first-generation immigrant, like their parents, and as a teenager who navigated a new environment.
I enjoy learning their stories, many of which involve struggles with typical issues such as language barriers, cultural identity, and high family expectations. I encourage them to express themselves through art-making and share my own experiences dealing with similar situations and the mistakes I made. My ultimate goal as an art educator is not to train them to become the next master painters right now but to preserve their passion and appreciation for art.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Artistic paths are rarely smooth, and mine has certainly had its fair share of obstacles. One of the biggest challenges has been finding balance—between creating my own work and teaching young students, and between embracing technical skill while fostering creative freedom. Early on, I struggled with the idea that art needed to be technically perfect. I spent years refining my skills, practicing precise drawing techniques and developing my craft, but it often felt rigid and limiting. Over time, I had to ‘unlearn’ that mindset to embrace a freer, more expressive approach, especially when teaching young artists.
Another challenge came in the form of adapting to different communities. For example, when I first began teaching art classes, I had no prior experience working with children and quickly realized that I needed to communicate in a way that resonated with them. Many of my students are first-generation immigrants, navigating cultural differences similar to my own experience when I moved to the U.S. as a teenager. It can be tough to connect in a deeply meaningful way, but it’s also rewarding to see them express themselves and embrace art on their terms.
Finally, pursuing a career in the arts often brings financial and professional uncertainty. I’ve worked multiple jobs to support my practice, taking on roles from freelance illustrator to art educator, and at times, this juggling act can feel like an uphill battle. But I’ve learned that these challenges have only deepened my understanding of what it means to be an artist and educator. Each struggle has given me a new perspective, shaping not just my work, but also my commitment to using art as a way to connect with others and create impact in my community.”

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

My work revolves around illustration and printmaking, but I’ve also expanded into object-making and community-driven art projects. By day, I teach art classes to young students here in New York, encouraging them to explore their own identities and express themselves through creative work. Outside of teaching, I focus on creating art that speaks to and interacts with everyday people. Whether it’s through public installations or smaller-scale community projects, I’m always seeking ways to bring art closer to the lives of others.
One of my proudest achievements was my recent residency with COPE NYC, where I collaborated with Little Flower Family Service. Together, we transformed their space with artworks that feel playful and welcoming—wooden cutouts of characters I created, playfully placed around the facility to engage visitors. When I receive photos of families posing with these pieces, it reminds me why I love what I do: it’s about creating moments of connection and joy for the community.
What sets my work apart is the intentional blend of artistry and community engagement. From volunteering at a homeless shelter in Seattle at 18 to teaching art to children, I’ve seen firsthand how art can uplift and bring people together. I believe my art has always been about seeing others and creating spaces where they can see themselves reflected in a positive light. Art shouldn’t feel distant or unapproachable; it should be woven into our everyday experiences, and that’s the philosophy I carry into both my teaching and my creative practice.
Ultimately, what I’m most proud of is knowing that my art has made a difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s a student learning to embrace their voice or a family seeing themselves in a public artwork, those moments fuel my drive to continue creating and sharing my work.”

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?

“One resource that’s had a profound impact on my work and outlook is The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. Rubin’s insights on creativity as a way of life, rather than just a skill or profession, resonate deeply with me. His approach has encouraged me to view art-making as a holistic practice—one that requires openness, presence, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. This perspective has shaped how I approach both my own work and my teaching, helping me prioritize authenticity and self-expression over perfection.
Rubin’s ideas remind me that the creative process isn’t about adhering to rigid techniques or formulas but about allowing space for discovery. This philosophy aligns with how I guide my students: I encourage them to find their own voices rather than focusing solely on technical mastery. Ultimately, Rubin’s book serves as a reminder that the true value of art lies in its ability to help us connect with ourselves and others on a deeper level.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nicosunart.godaddysites.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nniconicon/?__pwa=1#

Image Credits

Ni O’yang (@rotten_avocadoo)