Meet Nicole Hitchcock

We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Hitchcock recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I tend to have a rather impulse creative nature, often diving into projects without extensive planning. This spontaneity can feel a bit like gambling—taking a risk on the hope that my time, energy, and resources will pay off in the end, whether through sales or personal fulfillment.

To truly embrace a creative life, I find it to be essential to shift my mindset from complaining or dwelling on challenges which can stifle inspiration. Instead, I try to focus on being the kind of “weirdo” who genuinely enjoys the creative process. By fostering a playful and open attitude, I find that creativity flows more freely, bringing me an abundance of ideas—more than I could ever use in a lifetime.

I also strive to stay light and unburdened. This approach allows me to explore new concepts without the weight of expectations, keeping my creativity alive and vibrant.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I recently opened my own art studio in the Surel Mitchell Live-Work-Create District in Garden City, Idaho. This space serves not only as my creative haven but also as a gallery where I can showcase my art to the public.

What excites me most about this studio is the connection to Surel Mitchell herself. Although I never met her, her legacy lives on through the Idaho Art District, fostering an environment where artists can inspire one another and contribute to intellectual growth and community connectedness. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a space that embodies these values.

In addition to my ongoing projects, I’m looking forward to hosting community events and workshops in the studio, where people can engage with art in new and interactive ways. I believe that art should be a shared experience, and I’m excited to create opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and exhibitions—I can’t wait to share more of my work and connect with the community!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Asking for Help:
Stepping out of my comfort zone to ask for help has been pivotal in my journey. Like many emerging talents, I initially struggled with this, but I realized that support is crucial for growth. I prioritized my desire to enhance my technical skills over my discomfort, and the impact of seeking assistance has been profound. I continue to reach out for help, and I’m constantly amazed at how transformative this support can be.

2. Building a Creative Community:
By asking for guidance from artists I deeply respect, I’ve cultivated a creative community rooted in encouragement rather than competition. This network is filled with incredibly wise and insightful individuals. By letting go of my ego and acknowledging that I still have much to learn, I’ve embraced the role of a grateful student. This shift has enriched my artistic journey immensely.

3. Embracing Curiosity:
Learning new skills can be challenging, especially when we want to excel. I found myself stressing out during the creative process, which turned my art into something that felt burdensome. To change this, I consciously shifted my mindset. Instead of fixating on the outcome, I decided to embrace curiosity and play. This shift transformed my creative process into a joyful experience, and the results now radiate a more playful and vibrant energy.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has significantly influenced my development is Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. I recently reread it and found some powerful nuggets of wisdom that resonated deeply this time around:

Fear: Gilbert emphasizes that while fear is a natural response to creativity, it doesn’t have a place in the realm of creative expression. Creativity often leads us into uncertain territory, and that’s precisely where fear tends to surface. Understanding this dynamic has helped me navigate my creative journey with more courage and less anxiety.

Originality vs. Authenticity: Another key takeaway is the distinction between originality and authenticity. Many ideas have already been explored, but they haven’t been expressed in your unique voice. When you infuse your own passion and perspective into an idea, it becomes distinctly yours. Gilbert encourages us to share whatever we feel driven to express, reminding us that if it’s authentic, it will inherently feel original.

These insights have reinforced my belief in the power of authenticity in art and have inspired me to embrace the creative process more fully.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.NicoleHitchcock.com
• Instagram: @NicoleHitchcockArt
• Other: Email: NicoleHitchcockArt@gmail.com

Image Credits

Brig Van Osten, Jan Schmidt