Meet Nadine Nevitt

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nadine Nevitt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nadine, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by remaining open and curious. I work out of my studio in Toronto and I surround myself with beautiful art, large plants, lots of natural light. The more you observe beauty, the more you can express it. I gain so much inspiration from everything that’s happening around me. Although I design for others because I am a full-time freelancer, I also make time to work on projects and carve out time to be creative for myself. This helps me find my own voice and style without any constraints.

My dad was an art professor and growing up he always shared the importance of playing and exploration. A reminder that the act of drawing is just making a dot and moving it along a surface. Your foundation needs to be strong and simple before it can be elborated upon. If you want to stay creative, stay youthful in your approach. Learn and try new things but be open to pivoting and evolving. Creating is a practice, just like mediation, working out or brushing your teeth.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a visual artist specializing in textile design, illustration, and photography. I’m very inspired by nature, music and culture.

I grew up in rural Ontario and was exposed to a wide range of art and design from a young age. My creative family spent many weekend exploring museums and art galleries. I would frequent thrift stores to repurpose old clothes and remake jewelry. I was constantly scrapbooking, shooting my own disposable camera, and styling music videos my friends and I would create. At the age of 14, I was assisting after-school art programs, teaching the pottery wheel, and working with stained glass. My love of design continued when I graduated from Ryerson University (TMU) in Toronto, with a Bachelor of Design in Fashion Communications. I relocated from Toronto to Vancouver in 2012 after accepting one of the first graphic design roles at lululemon. My focus quickly became creating applied graphics/patterns for women’s apparel and accessories. I also spent two years working for the lululemon’s youth brand called ivivva. I shot and edited all of the e-commerce photography as well as campaigns. It was wonderful to gain experience in both the beginning process of creating product and then the end process of selling the final design through effective marketing.

For the past 10 years, I have been growing my own freelance business. I support my clients with art direction, photography, branding, and textile design. I’m often hired for my artistic, handcrafted aesthetic which lends itself to feel more expressive, original and premium. As a commercial designer, I can work effectively in all styles and have been trained to adapt to a brand’s specific needs. I am passionate about creating effective teams, building strong partnerships, and designing with intention. Some of the clients within my portfolio include: Canada Goose, Spanx, Tecovas, Dynamite Clothing, Adidas, Nimble Activewear, Joe Fresh and the latest, Civile and Centerline Athletics which are two apparel brands elevating the pickleball space.

In addition to contract work, I own and manage a creative studio called Toronto Studio 202 in Corktown. This space hosts community events, yoga, breathwork, life drawing, illustration, and pottery classes to name a few. It’s also available to rent for photography, offsite meetings, dinners and videography. There is also a team of experts, in production, art direction, photography, hair and make up, and catering support any type of creative pursuit. Studio 202 is available hourly and or daily and can host up to 20 people depending on the type of activity.

My most recent personal projects include a painting series in collaboration with my father, who is living with Alzheimer’s, as well as my illustrated children’s book, “Curiosity of Lila & Dundee,” in partnership with author Derek Senft.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Take calculated risks
2. Write down your goals
3. Invest where you are best

My parents really contributed to my entrepreneurial pursuit by allowing me to take calculated risks. I was always encouraged to make a list of the pros and cons to figure out what the best direction might be to go in. They rarely purchased something I wanted in full. They always said that they would contribute to the iPod, concert tickets or clothing by meeting me halfway. This taught me the importance of money, how to earn and save. Also to get creative in what I could make and sell. I started with selling a small jewelry line, teaching horseback riding and eventually becoming a ski instructor in order to be able to have my own money.

Being very clear on your goals (even if they change), and the direction you want to go is super helpful. Where are you headed? How do you really want your life to look like or feel? It’s not always the job title but how do you want to work and what lifestyle is important to you? Then once defined, set a date in which they will be achieved. Include how and who you are going to enrol to make them happen. Write your goals down so you can commit to them but most importantly, share them. Tell people what you want to do. You will be suprised who will help you once they know how they can. Accept the help.

Invest in what you are the best at. I’m not a numbers person. So I hired a book keeper and accountant. I’m much more energized when I am creative and that’s what people hire me for. I’m better to be putting my energy there instead of where it’s drained and unrecognized. Yes, I can upload the numbers, but it takes me twice as long and I could be paid more if I focused on my strengths.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

I loved answering the questions and going through the Strengths Finder book. Upon completion, you have a good sense of the ways you learn and apply yourself in the world. It can support your development and how you navigate challenges. Many people have told me that I am creative and artistic but the book identified my number one strength as a “Learner.” I’m in my element when I’m taking on something challenging, applying new skills and appreciate structure when advancing. This couldn’t be more true.

My husband also plays a large in my personal and professional development. Especially within the last two years.
We got engaged, and two months later I lost my mom to a very aggressive battle with cancer. She died within three days of her diagnosis.

Heading into 2023, we took on the role of caregiver for my father who is living with Alzheimer’s. We navigated her loss, the addition of an extra human into our daily routine, planning a wedding, taking over a family business and keeping my business running.

I constantly look to him when times get challenging and he reminds me of the below:

1. Take one full day a week (if possible) for yourself to rest and recharge.
2. There are two hats to wear. Personal and business. Separate both so you can operate from a place of action and logic without your emotions interfering.
3. You have to be good to be lucky. Being “lucky” comes from working hard and consistency.
4. Focus on the resolution and the things you can do to affect change.
5. Set strong boundaries for yourself.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo Credit for Kyle Tait, Colin Sneyd, Kezia Nathe

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