CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
NR: I’m a graphic designer so my style can change slightly and adapt to the project I’m working on. I would say my style is vintage inspired illustration.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
NR: I have a pretty eclectic taste when it comes to inspiration. I get inspired by cartoonists like Chris Ware and Charles Burns, as well as antique botanical text books, vintage signage, Americana, nature and album covers.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
NR: I like to engage with whatever it is I’m designing for. If it’s a band that I’m doing a poster for I will listen to their music and read their lyrics, and try to get a sense of their history.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
NR: I want my work to be clear and simple, with layers of deeper meaning. Giving the piece depth.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
NR: Getting paid to be a designer is awesome, but it also means that your work must not only reflect your own goals but your clients goals as well. So it can be a little conflicting at times, creatively.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
NR: I always start with a plan and a clear idea of what I want the piece to be, but try to stay flexible and let the project go in another direction if it calls for it. Sometimes the best results come out of a failed idea.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
NR: To be flexible and to embrace mistakes. When we make mistakes it takes away a little of our control and helps us create more original work.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
NR: Not for a graphic designer. It’s important to be able to adapt to the needs of the project and make sure your personal style is not overshadowing the goals of the project. With illustration it definitely helps to have a unique and recognizable style, so clients can seek you out because your style fits their needs.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
NR: Project deadlines are a big part of being a designer, so finding inspiration when creating can sometimes be difficult.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
NR: The ability to create something new every day.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
NR: There are a lot of artists I am inspired by, it would be difficult to narrow it down.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
NR: I find it very useful. It is an integral part of design today, but sometimes it’s still nice to put pencil to paper and to get away from the screen for a while.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
NR: Not really, everyone could be an artist if they practiced enough. Being a designer does make you look at art differently though. It makes you assign a function to something that is also a form of self-expression.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
NR: I do enjoy traveling, although having two young sons makes it a little more difficult. Nashville and Austin are two of my favorite cities.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
NR: Cormac McCarthy – The Road
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
NR: Just to improve I guess. I am always trying to progress my work, develop new techniques and sharpen my skills.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
NR: It means doing what I love for a career, and being able to provide for my family.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
NR: Sunn by Radical Face
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
NR: Check back soon, I’m sure my aesthetic will have changed by then. Thanks!
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