We were lucky to catch up with Living Dead Girl Nicole Garcia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Living Dead Girl Nicole, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
I believe a key part of what makes me and my work unique is my tendency to thrive on going against the norm. Naysayers can look at me and my work sideways all they want; it only inspires me to push further.
From an early age, I learned that creating was not just about putting pencil to paper—it was a tool for expressing myself beyond societal expectations. In 5th grade, while my classmates were drawing pretty birds for our project, my depiction of an owl in mid-flight hunting a mouse stood out at Parent-Teacher Night. The attention I received for something that felt so natural opened my eyes to my capabilities and the thrill of turning heads.
In junior high, I developed a deeper appreciation for music as an escape, which began to inspire my artistic endeavors. When my art teacher assigned a black-and-white graphite drawing on any subject, I chose to create a portrait in memory of Kurt Cobain. I anticipated that my art teacher might hesitate to display it due to the controversy surrounding his recent suicide, but I let the flow of inspiration guide me. I was later called into the principal’s office, expecting to face criticism, only to find he was impressed and awarded me Student of the Week, urging my teacher to showcase my work.
In high school, I continued to challenge norms. For an assignment, I created a unique self-portrait as my first attempt at a “split-face” style, incorporating elements from my own little universe into my face, hair, and background. My art teacher suggested I remove a little cartoonish alien hiding in my hair, fearing it wouldn’t resonate with the judges. I stuck to my vision and submitted it as is. Not only was it accepted into a gallery show, but I also won the Congressional High School Art Competition. A judge sought me out to express their admiration for the piece, noting how captivated they were by the details throughout. The award was later announced in my local newspapers.
As I’ve grown older, I remain committed to expressing my authentic self through my art, my style, my home decor, and my interests. I firmly believe that there are no limits to what a creative mind can achieve when it stays true to who it is. Your work may not resonate with everyone, but for those it does, those are your people.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have been creating art since I was a young gelfling, walking in my dad’s artistic footsteps and learning skills from him early on. I knew my passion for creating ran deep in my blood. As I grew older, I realized that my admiration for the strange and unusual could also be my inspiration. If there’s such a thing as a spirit animal, mine would definitely be a gothicorn 💀🦄—a mix of my alter egos, childhood idols Elvira and Jem, topped off with influences from my muses Jim Henson and Tim Burton.
Needless to say, if something is creepy and spooky with a dash of glitter, neon, or monster fur, I probably own it or have made it! I embrace what I like and draw inspiration from the things that intrigue me. The concepts or subject matter might not make sense to some, but I create to connect with both the Marcelines and Princess Bubblegums out there who don’t need anyone’s approval to be who they are and love what they love. I channel the goddess Persephone—why can’t one be the goddess of springtime and renewal while also being the bringer of death as the Queen of the Underworld?
I express my creativity through various mediums but have become known for my split-face portrait drawings, wearable Dead Girl Decay accessories, metaphysical crystal healing creations, Moffins (monster coffins), and creepy corpsified props and dolls. I enjoy anything that gets my creative blood flowing and am drawn (pun intended) to finding the beauty and magic in the odd, macabre, and whimsical!
You can often find me geeking out and networking at horror movie, comic, and pop-culture conventions, as well as local oddities markets and art shows. Sometimes, I give back to the celebrity guests who inspire my work by gifting them the original art pieces that sparked my inspiration. I also write about these encounters on my blog for my “Freaky Fanatics” (clients and followers) to enjoy.
When I’m not expressing myself through my personal art, I apply my out-of-the-box thinking and creative skills in the marketing world as a coordinator for businesses. Additionally, I use my talents to raise money for good causes through benefits, fundraisers, and online auctions. In addition to my Etsy shop, my supporters can also find my creations on display and purchase them in person at Closet Collectibles in Crete, Illinois!
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?
Looking back, I believe three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of community.
Creativity: Embracing my unique artistic vision has been crucial. I’ve always drawn inspiration from the strange and unusual, which allows me to create work that resonates with others who share similar tastes. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate your creativity by experimenting with different mediums and styles. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and express your authentic self.
Resilience: Facing skepticism and challenges is part of any creative path. There were times when others questioned my work or encouraged me to conform. Staying true to my vision, like when I submitted my split-face portrait despite concerns, helped me grow stronger as an artist. My advice here is to embrace constructive criticism but remain steadfast in your unique perspective. Each setback can be a stepping stone.
Community: Building connections with fellow creatives and industry professionals has enriched my journey. Attending conventions and engaging with those who inspire me has opened doors and provided support. My advice is to actively seek out communities—both online and offline—where you can share your work, learn from others, and find encouragement. Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations.
By focusing on these qualities, you’ll not only develop your skills but also forge a path that feels authentic and fulfilling. Remember, every journey is unique, so embrace yours wholeheartedly!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was always believing in and supporting my artistic endeavors. From a young age, they encouraged my creativity by buying me art supplies, introducing me to unique films, and displaying my work around the house.
When I was 10, my mom passed away, and I discovered a cabinet where she had kept all the things I created that were no longer on the fridge. Coming from a divorced home, my dad also had stacks of my childhood art that I had made for him over the years. As an adult, he created a scrapbook titled “Nicole’s First Portfolio,” filled with all the pieces he had saved. It is probably one of my most prized possessions.
My dad, an artist himself, would help give me tips whenever I entered coloring contests or art competitions at school and in the community. I loved using t-shirt paints to make unique wearable pieces of art and other fun projects with him. He is by far my biggest artistic inspiration to this day. As I’ve gotten older and even “weirder,” he has always supported me in being who I am and never judged my individuality, unlike many others.
Their unwavering support gave me the confidence to embrace my unique visions and pursue my interests, even when others told me, “Art won’t get you anywhere in life.” Knowing they believed in me allowed me to take risks in my art and ultimately shaped the artist I am today. Their faith in my abilities instilled a sense of resilience that has carried me through various challenges on my creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artworkbylivingdeadgirlnicole.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/livingdeadgirlnicole/
- Other: https://artworkbylivingdeadgirlnicole.wordpress.com/
https://livingdeadgirlnicole.etsy.com/
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