Meet Nino Yuniardi

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nino Yuniardi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nino below.

Hi Nino, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

I think it’s something I’ve picked up by watching the people around me.
My parents have always been generous with their time, often sitting down with couples to help them work through tough times. They never made a big deal of it, but they were always there when someone needed a listening ear. That quiet, steady kindness made an impression on me. It wasn’t about making a statement; it was just about being there for people when they needed help.

My mom, in particular, taught me a lot about giving without expecting anything in return. I remember her helping out family members—whether it was offering money or simply showing up when things got hard. It wasn’t flashy, but it came from a place of genuine care. Watching her, I learned that giving doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful.

I also see it in my wife. She’s always volunteering her time at our children’s school, using her talents to make things better for the kids and teachers. She doesn’t do it for recognition; she just wants to help. Seeing her give so willingly inspires me to do the same, in my own small ways.

In the art community, I’ve been fortunate to meet so many artists who share their knowledge freely. They’ve taught me that we all grow by lifting each other up. I’ve tried to follow that example, offering tips and ideas whenever I can to help others on their own creative journeys. It’s a way of giving back to the community that’s given me so much.

At the end of the day, I believe it takes a village to help us grow—whether it’s in our skills, our careers, or just as people.
Giving, to me, feels like a small way to contribute to that village. It’s not about making a big impact; it’s just about doing what I can, when I can, to help others the way I’ve been helped. Generosity, in its simplest form, gives my life more meaning.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m an abstract artist who creates original pieces using acrylic paint on canvas, exploring emotions, ideas, and stories through color and form. What excites me most about the process is the freedom to express myself without limits—each piece has its own journey, and I love letting intuition guide the way.

In addition to my personal art practice, I run an online membership art club called Spice Art Club, where artists can participate in mini workshops, monthly challenges, and access a wealth of resources to grow their skills. I also offer in-person workshops that help others tap into their own creativity, teaching them how to embrace spontaneity and let go of self-doubt. Watching people grow as artists, regardless of where they start, is incredibly rewarding. I believe creativity is for everyone, and my goal is to inspire that sense of freedom in others.

Currently, I’m focused on several exciting projects. One of them is a five-day workshop called “Sweet and Spicy: Tap into Your Childlike Wonder,” happening at PaintSpaceNOLA in New Orleans. This workshop will help participants reconnect with their inner child and create art from an authentic place. Additionally, I’m working on a gallery project in Pioneer Square, Seattle, where Spice Art Club members can display their work on a rotating basis, supporting emerging talent in the community.

Overall, my mission is to create spaces where art and creativity can thrive, whether through my own paintings or by fostering growth in others. I’m committed to pushing creative boundaries and sharing the joy of art with as many people as possible.

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?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey were resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace failure.

1. Resilience: The creative journey is full of ups and downs. For me, staying committed to my art, even when things didn’t seem to be progressing or when self-doubt crept in, was crucial. My advice to others is to keep showing up. Develop a routine or practice that keeps you connected to your work, even on tough days. It’s often the small, consistent efforts that lead to breakthroughs over time.

2. Curiosity: Being open to learning, experimenting, and exploring new techniques or ideas has fueled my growth. The best way to develop curiosity is to step outside your comfort zone. Try things you’re not familiar with, whether it’s a new medium, a workshop, or a different way of thinking. Keep asking questions and be a student of life and creativity.

3. Embracing Failure: This is one of the hardest but most important skills to learn. Mistakes and setbacks are part of the creative process, not signs of failure. Early on, I learned to see failures as opportunities to grow, adapt, and push my work further. For those starting out, my advice is to be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Instead of getting discouraged, look at each challenge as a stepping stone toward better work.
Focus on these areas, and you’ll find that both your art and your confidence will evolve naturally.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was giving me the freedom to explore my creativity without limitations. They didn’t push me in a particular direction but instead supported whatever I was passionate about, whether it was art, design, or something else. They allowed me to experiment and figure things out on my own, which gave me the space to discover my love for art at a young age.

Their quiet encouragement instilled in me a sense of confidence and independence. I never felt like I had to conform to a specific path, and that freedom has been a guiding force throughout my journey. Knowing that they believed in my ability to carve my own way made all the difference. It gave me the courage to embrace my creativity fully and pursue it, even when the road wasn’t always clear.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nino.studio/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninoyuniardi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninoy/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ninoyuniardi
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/spiceartclub

Image Credits

Sung Park Photography