Meet Nile Livingston

We were lucky to catch up with Nile Livingston recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nile, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic stems from watching my grandfather, Walter R. Livingston Jr., and my mother, Nadine Livingston. My grandfather, a Philadelphia architect, lived across the street and wore a suit every day, always greeting us with a signature clicking sound to announce his presence. His drafting papers became my first canvases, and his involvement in civic boards taught me the importance of creating work that serves the community. Even in hospice, he asked for his briefcase, a testament to how deeply his work ethic was ingrained in him. My mother, a retired special education teacher, continues to inspire me with her boundless energy and volunteer efforts. She instilled in me the importance of empathy and accessibility, values that guide my art and life’s work, ensuring it remains deeply connected to the Black and Brown communities I hold dear.

Both figures were highly driven, and their influence continues to shape me. Whether through murals or projects with my design agency, I carry forward the values of precision, community, and care, striving to create art that resonates with and belongs to the communities it inhabits.

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 public-facing artist and founder of Creative Repute, LLC, a design agency that specializes in website development, public art, and brand identity. My work explores the dynamics of community engagement. I create public art that is deeply rooted in collaboration, often spending weeks canvassing neighborhoods to understand local histories and ensure my projects reflect the people who live there. My approach is about building relationships with the communities I work with, making sure my art is relevant to them.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are organizational skills, creativity, and empathy. Organizational skills have been critical not only in executing public art projects but also in running my business, Creative Repute, Inc. Managing multiple projects, coordinating with the bench of specialists I work with, and balancing deadlines all require strong organizational habits to keep everything on track and ensure the business operates smoothly. Creativity has driven my work as an artist and entrepreneur, allowing me to develop innovative design solutions and create art that resonates with diverse communities. It’s important to constantly challenge yourself creatively and remain open to new ideas and perspectives. Empathy, the cornerstone of my approach, has allowed me to connect deeply with the communities I serve. Understanding their stories and creating art that reflects their experiences is what makes my work meaningful. For those just starting, I recommend focusing on building strong organizational skills to manage both your creative work and business, embracing creative exploration, and leading with empathy to ensure your work has a lasting impact.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned the power of saying “no.” It’s important to set boundaries and recognize when you’re taking on too much. As someone who’s deeply passionate about my work, it can be tempting to say yes to every opportunity, but overcommitting leads to burnout. By prioritizing what truly aligns with my values and long-term goals, I can stay focused on what matters most. My advice is to be intentional with your time and energy—don’t be afraid to say no, so you can give your best to the projects that truly matter.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Image credits are in the file names

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,