We recently connected with Devan Nichols and have shared our conversation below.
Devan, 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 believe everyone has the ability to be creative. It’s a muscle that needs to move and it takes practice over time. I don’t see myself as an overly creative or artistic human, but many years of practice has given me Contour Creative. When I’m feeling like I’m in a rut and my creativity is dead, I purposefully sit down and give myself 15 minutes to doodle and see what happens — often I go way beyond the 15 minutes too! If that just doesn’t work, I get myself outside, and the more wild the setting, the better!
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?
Hey, I’m Devan! I hand-draw nature inspired designs and turn them into adventure-ready wearable goods. My grandmother is an artist and it all started when I was little and she showed me how to create greeting cards and sell them to local businesses. Then many years on all sides of the retail and hospitality industry taught me about buying, creating, designing, and serving customers. Contour Creative started as a hobby that was an escape from my 9-5, then after a few years, our life situation gave me the opportunity to go all-in and I went full time with my art for 5 years. It’s now back to a hobby as I’m focused on making and raising babies: giving them a life full of adventure and sunshine!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
At my first job, the manager told me that I had a strong work ethic. I know my parents instilled that in me, but hearing it from a boss whom I respected really paved the way for me to live into that compliment and I’ve tried to work hard ever since. Another quality that others have noted about me is that I don’t freak out when shit hits the fan: I stay cool and roll with the punches, ready to pivot and turn lemons into lemonade. Having mentors, guides, and encouraging customers means everything to my curiosity and interest in growing my business. My encouragement to anyone starting off is to be patient, flexible, and surround yourself with people who challenge you in stretching and empowering ways.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed in my business or creativity, I take a step back and try to focus on something else that gives me life so I can return with fresh eyes and an open heart. For me, that often looks like going for a hike, hanging out with friends, making a yummy meal, or going on a peaceful paddle on the lake. Sometimes all I need is a few hours, but taking the time to give myself space to refresh my mind can be days. If you find yourself in the same situation, my advice would be to stay calm, move your body, and know that this feeling will pass. Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart and it’s a constant rollercoaster: the highs will return very soon, I promise!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.contourcreative.us
- Instagram: @contourcreative
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contourcreative
Image Credits
Caiti Jackson Photography for the photo with the man in the green hoodie in front of the cattle
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
