We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Malia Heron a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Malia, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Self care for me usually involves exercise including walking, jogging, biking, hiking, climbing, and yoga. If I need more restorative and restful self care, I love being home with a good podcast or tv show with blankets, coffee, and snuggles with my husband and our dog. Balancing energetic and restorative self care helps me to recharge and have more mental and creative energy to work on art.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve always loved drawing and knew it was my calling. I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in March 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Illustration, a concentration in Publication Design and a minor in Graphic Design. I started my freelance career and created my business Malia Nicole Design LLC shortly after graduating. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients over the years and I’ve gained valuable insight and experience. I have a passion for designing book cover illustrations, and I’m grateful that one of my freelance jobs is creating book covers and interior illustrations for Dorrance Publishing Co. Currently, I’m working as an Art Instructor and Store Manager of Hawaii Fluid Art in Fort Collins, CO, where I teach art classes and host a gallery with local artists. Last year I launched my Etsy store with a Rainbow Animal collection I made that was inspired by “Rainbow Kitty” a piece I did in high school that has stood the test of time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Craftsmanship, Time-Management, and Determination are three qualities that I believe are crucial to having a successful career as an artist. Craftsmanship is evident in your artwork and it’s important to take pride in your work and never submit anything that isn’t up to your standards. It doesn’t have to be perfect by any means, but having crisp and lean line art will show your professionalism and attention to detail. Time management is tough but that’s where determination plays a part. Hold yourself accountable to deadlines and make sure you space out your work so that you complete it on time or early. It helps me to think what future me would appreciate. Present you may not feel like working, but future you will be so relieved and satisfied in getting your work done with time to spare.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Trial by fire! Being willing to take on as many contract jobs as possible helped me to grow not only in my craft but also with costumer service and satisfaction. Especially first starting out, get as many gigs as you can to grow your portfolio, make connections, and most importantly have fun and channel your love for creating into your work. Your clients will be able to see the love. Be gracious with yourself as well because sometimes you come across some mean or toxic clients. You have every right not to work with a client in the future if you had an unpleasant experience with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: malianicoleart.com
- Instagram: malianicoleart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaliaNicoleDesign
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/malia-nicole
- Other: Etsy store: https://malianicoledesigns.etsy.com
