Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Stinson.
Hi Nikki, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My Story begins as a child. I have always loved how things looked. I have always loved seeing things from a different perspective. My vivid, visual childhood memories of situations, places, and times have stayed with me my whole life. I can’t seem to get colors, shapes, and textures out of my head, and these visual elements mixed with memories translate into the art I create today.
I have always been a creative problem solver. As a child, I would find an object or empty product container and my first thought would always be, “What can I turn this into?” or “In this situation, how can I design it better?” I felt inclined to problem solve and explore unique design avenues. As Charles Eames once said, “Design addresses itself to the need.” He was spot on. At the heart of all art and design is a need for something aesthetically pleasing. I have had this inner desire to create my whole life, whether it is turning something sculptural into something else, rearranging an interior space, or painting on a blank canvas.
I attribute my design eye to my mom, who has great taste and has always been an inspiration. My dad gets the credit for my exploratory creative side, though. He has always taught me think for myself and figure out the how and why of a situation and has encouraged me to try new things and develop my craft.
In college, I studied advertising and marketing because naturally, I was creative, but I was excited about business and entrepreneurship, business strategies, marketing, and the psychology behind it all. So, when it came to choosing my career, it was an easy choice.
After 10 years in the advertising world, marriage and children followed. I started my own design company, Tickled Designs, designing paper products and most recently have devoted my time to fine art with Nikki Stinson Art. I dabble in photography, interior design, and textile design. I have also found a love of teaching my craft and spreading my love of creating by teaching kids and adults alike. I’m definitely a creative soul, through and through.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing great in life comes without challenges. For decades, I set my fine art desires aside to pursue a career in advertising and marketing. As fulfilling as that job was, it didn’t feed my soul like true art does. Like most artists, we can struggle with mental blocks and the occasional dry period, but overall, I find that if I just sit and soak in a thought or visual idea, my right brain inevitably comes up with the answer.
My husband, Matt, and I have four children and I teach full time so, the natural balancing act of life is typically in flux. Fortunately, or unfortunately (depends on how you look at it) I thrive in chaos and deadlines, so we make it work! Somehow, creating art and managing life seem to gel each and every day.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Simply put, I create. I love exploring different medium and artist styles. I can’t seem to get enough of color, either! I am schooled in drawing and painting but mostly love to paint. I prefer large-scale abstract painting on canvas, clayboard, cradled wood, you name it. I’m proficient in Adobe Creative Suite so I love pulling my work in digitally and remixing my creations. Turning my art into textile patterns is also a passion. There’s something magical about seeing your art on drapes or a chair. I’m also drawn to collage work and love experimenting with all sorts of new art products. Ask anyone who knows me. I’m an art supply hoarder!
I own too many art history books which quench my thirst of understanding the how and why of artists in certain time periods. I’m particularly interested in the Bauhaus Movement and Post War Abstract Expressionism.
I’m known for my love of color and bold us of it. I have also begun to paint more large-scale murals around Dallas. My love of ALL things design (graphic, interior, textile) and color set me apart as well as my versatility. I can paint the most petite watercolor or large-scale daring abstract. Then, I can help you place it perfectly in your home and help you pick out amazing accent pillows to go on the couch it hangs above. I’m a Design Artist – a two for one special. 🙂
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me by reaching out or visiting my home studio in the heart of Downtown McKinney, TX. I’m open to collaborations and have an understanding of them because of my extensive knowledge of the advertising and marketing world. I think more companies out there need art collabs, don’t you?
I post the majority of my work on Instagram – that’s the best place to check out my content, connect and peruse my style.
I’ve found that referrals are the truly the best form of flattery and business. I’m grateful to all of my collectors who have told their friends about me and my work!
Nikkistinsonart.com is another way to get to know me better. It’s worth a google!
Contact Info:
- Email: nikkistinson@mac.com
- Website: nikkistinsonart.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikkistinsonart
