Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Gibson (Nikkey Creative).
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Nikkey Creative LLC. started eight years ago in my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. Since childhood, I have always been the super creative one in my family. I attended The Art Institute of St. Louis, majoring in Graphic Design, and ultimately earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Fine Arts. During college, I began to paint, and one day I decided to post one of my paintings on Facebook. It went viral, which inspired me to consider selling my artwork. My goal during college was to graduate with my BFA and start a job at an advertising agency. However, things quickly took a turn and shortly after my painting went viral, I decided to become what I call an ARTrepreneur. My business took off when I began to receive orders to create new paintings, inspired by my own vivid imagination & requested commissions from customers. I had to quit my job at the time to keep up with the demand. Almost eight years later, I’m still living through my passion every day!
Black femininity/black women have been depicted as undesirable, unattractive by mainstream Eurocentric culture since the diaspora.
I am happily married to an amazing woman, Patrice-Lou, an advanced practice registered nurse, who motivates and inspires me on a daily basis to achieve my highest potential. I enjoy creating, inspiring, and touching many lives with my 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?
One of my main challenges is not having a blueprint. I came into the Art business world without a mentor or any guidance. Art school taught me the technical side of things when it came to my art. However, I had to teach myself how to market and sell art. I have spent countless hours researching and experimenting with art materials & testing out new products/vendors. I am still learning every day when it comes to my art. I have been using acrylic paint over the past 8 years. However, recently I obtained my first set of oil paints, that I am slowly learning how to use.
I consider myself an artist for the artists. Meaning, when it comes to my art practice, I am constantly teaching other artists across my social media platforms. I have hundreds of artists that follow me and are inspired by my journey. I try to help them in every way that I can because I didn’t have anyone guiding or teaching me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My art challenges that societal view by showcasing the beauty, the power, and sensuality of black women, black femininity and how desirable black womanhood is. My art will continue to uphold this truth, that black womanhood is something to be proud of and that black women hold a very special place in our universe. My art inspires, uplifts, empowers and gives people hope. My art also honors people’s memories.
My art is known for its bold and vibrant colors. It’s also known for the unique use of mixed media.
I am most proud of being able to express my creativity through my art.
What set’s me apart?
I am a trailblazer when it comes to my art. Many look at my art style, use of mediums, and my presentation of my art and seek to emulate it.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
One of my main challenges is not having a blueprint. I came into the Art business world without a mentor or any guidance. Art school taught me the technical side of things when it came to my art. However, I had to teach myself how to market and sell art. I have spent countless hours researching and experimenting with art materials & testing out new products/vendors. I am still learning every day when it comes to my art. I have been using acrylic paint over the past 8 years. However, recently I obtained my first set of oil paints, that I am slowly learning how to use.
I consider myself an artist for the artists. Meaning, when it comes to my art practice, I am constantly teaching other artists across my social media platforms. I have hundreds of artists that follow me and are inspired by my journey. I try to help them in every way that I can because I didn’t have anyone guiding or teaching me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nikkeycreative.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nikkeycreative?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078209021147
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCswGzah5DJxyRKxlUW1Db4A
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nikkeycreative?_t=8UhMC9ZgQ4E&_r=1
