We recently connected with Nick Sirotich and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nick, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
There has never been a time in my life where I haven’t wanted to be an artist. It very much feels like my purpose and I hope to leave something good and meaningful to the world. I can’t imagine a single thing I’d be more adept at, or fulfilled by than making art.
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?
Nick Sirotich (A.K.A. nickelopsus) is an accomplished illustrator, designer and professional muralist living and working in Oakland California. Over the years, Nick has worked with thousands of clients, companies and brands to create fantastical, effective, and meaningful work. Nick’s drive is relentless, ranging from apparel designs to magazine spreads, band posters to celebrity portraits, he does it all. Nick has been working as a full time freelancer for over two decades with a plethora of projects over that time.
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?
Persistence, Passion, and Resilience. To be an artist is to take risks and bet on yourself. If you’re a naturally inquisitive, creative person and want to follow an artistic path you need to be willing to grow and learn, to fall down at times, and persist when things don’t go exactly as you’d like. Being an artist is a constant grind and it’s incredibly arduous but, with the right commitment and drive, it’s not impossible. Follow your heart.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I think it’s incredibly important to focus on what you want to do while also being open to new ideas and methods to get where you’re going. The world is constantly changing and you need to be able adaptable to whatever comes your way. When I started this career, I was 15 years old and wanted only to be a tattoo artist. After 7 years of that I decided that I’d be much happier doing illustration. Down the road from that I thought I’d like to be a muralist. I have done so much in the creative sphere but I’ve always stuck to following my passions. My advice to anyone wanting to follow a similar path is to stay focused, learn as much as you can, and practice your skills every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicksirotich.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickelopsus
Image Credits
All images created by me, Nick Sirotich
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
