Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nathan “Sloke One” Nordstrom . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nathan “Sloke One”, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic came from growing up with lesser means in a family that stressed “If you want something, work for it!” My Father was an Artist and my Mother was an Actress. Art was encouraged, but so was making a living. It took years of hard work to finally make something out of nothing. Graffiti Art was not accepted as an art form back then. We had to deal with a lot of difficulties from the public when it came to making art with a spray can, but we persisted and ended up helping to lay the foundation for today’s “Urban” artists’ to make a living off of art in our city. We have come full circle.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a full time artist from Austin, Texas. I started drawing at an early age. In 1990 I picked up the art of Graffiti and for the next 15 years painted the streets all over Austin,TX. Since then I have transitioned into doing art for a living for the last 25 years. I am currently getting ready to travel overseas for a Far Eastern painting tour. I paint with the locals in each city I visit. Traveling and creating art has been a big influence on me. I love my city but it’s a big world out there. Get out there and explore it!
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?
The three qualities and skills that have impacted my journey have been hard work, knowing how to draw, and having business skills. My suggestion to any artists that are wanting to make a career out of it is be willing to pay your dues. The world owes you nothing. If you are looking to get rich and famous immediately, you are starting off on the wrong track. Your heart has to be in the art. Stick with it and your day will come.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
The biggest area of growth for me these past three years has been surviving the pandemic with all of its ups and downs. It really made me reevaluate everything. It reminded me of what’s truly important. Family and friends first, Use my art to help others, Gratitude for being alive, and to Keep Moving Forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: Slokeone.com
- Instagram: @slokeone
- Facebook: Sloke One
- Linkedin: Nathan “Sloke One” Nordstrom
