With a unique stance on life that shares parallels to his art, nicenothings® illustrations are up for interpretation and have hidden gems sprinkled throughout. Whether he is making waves, turning stones, or leaving his trademark smile, nicenothings® is sure to wow. Catch this quick Q&A and get to know the artist who is about to blow up your IG feed!
Join us in getting to know nicenothings® in the mini interview below!
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I used to be a graphic designer, hated it, left that career behind. I didn’t like the way office air tastes. Nowadays I paint and make things for people. I’m living a very happy life.
Can you tell us a little about how you found your signature aesthetic?
I’d be lying if I said some good highs didn’t kick start things. One acid trip in particular taught me the value of process. I filled a big canvas in one session without ever sitting back and planning. I just doodled till it was full. It felt right. I just trust myself enough to go in with no plans. The result is the result and I’m happy because chances are I had a good time doing it.
Nowadays I get hooked on drawing one pattern for a week or two. I see how far I can push it visually, and that typically ends with it turning into a complete new pattern or flow. Then I take that new pattern draw it for a week or two, see how far I can push it visually then it turns into another one…. repeat, repeat, repeat.
How did you decide on the moniker nicenothings®?
My work is non representational, hence the ‘nothings’. As for the ‘nice’ thats how I’m feeling when I’m working. It just represents what I do so perfectly.
What is your most important artist tool?
Krink K-60 paint marker. I never liked how brushes needed to be fed after a few lines. Getting more paint interrupts the flow. The k-60 has a built in tank, no feeding needed.
Who or what do you take inspiration from?
Plants. Have you ever really looked at a leaf? The texture is insane. They’ve also mastered colour theory better than any humans.
What is your favourite thing to do in your city? Places to go, eat, hangout etc.
Paint smiles. Ride bikes. Eat pizza.
Converse, Dr. Martens or Vans? Any self-defining moments made in any of these kicks?
Vans. Spent the last decade destroying pairs on pairs. I’ve had a lot of good moments in them. Think I drank a beer out of my shoe once. I believe there was money involved.
Who have you been listening to recently? Any music recommendations for the Baggins crew?
So much. Lots of trap. Funk. There’s a lot of wild sounds coming out these days. And I’m feeling them. I offset the new stuff with oldies. Loads of Stevie Nicks and gang. She went hard and made classics that still bang today. I respect that. Those Grateful Dead bros made some pretty good sounds as well.
Creep me on Spotify to see what I’m putting in my ears. Guilty pleasures and all.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
I don’t really have one to be honest. Doing stuff with Tame Impala would be cool.
Can you talk us through your two customised Baggins Original designs?
The ‘SMILE’ is my street tag that I draw around town. Its a simple reminder that happiness is a choice. I was in a strange place for awhile mentally and drawing this became a mental practice of finding my own happiness. It's hard to not have a smile when I’m drawing them all the time.
The “STONES” are one of my favourite visual practices. I just imagine I’m stacking rocks and trying to hide as many faces in there as possible. This is one of those patterns/flows that's stuck around for more than a few weeks.
Any advice would you want to give fellow artists breaking into “scene”?
Remember it’s all a game—it’s easier to play that way.
Do what feels right, don’t overthink it.
Find your message the style will follow.
You can do anything you want in this life.
What can we expect next from nicenothings®? Any upcoming events, projects, etc?
Big moves across bigger spaces. More smiles. More good times.
Holy moly, we can't wait to see see what's next from nicenothings®!
With each new Q&A blog feature we gain new insight into the mind of the artist and nicenothings® did not disappoint! We could all learn a thing or two from his approach on art as well as life. Really though, who doesn't need more smiles and good times in their lives? To learn even more about this captivating dude, be sure to check out his website and follow nicenothings® on IG!
To sum up this blog, you should order your nicenothings® kicks today! Spice up your summer wardrobe with a little artistic flair and truly impress all your friends with these stylish slip-ons. Both the 'Smile' and 'Stones' are available to order in-store and online. Please note, average print turn around time is approximately 10-12 business days, plus shipping times.
Smiles and stones won't break your bones, and shoes will never hurt you.
Order your nicenothings® kicks today!
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