It's Wednesday, so it's time for another WCW!
Buckle up, it's time to meet... illustrator and genuine bad ass, Holly Nichols of H. Nichols Illustration!
When did you start H. Nichols Illustration?
“H. Nichols Illustration” (which is the business name I operate under) came to be around 3 years ago, by mistake! I had just graduated college with my BFA in Fine Arts and it was difficult finding a job. I was working as an aid in a 3rd-Grade special education classroom and bartending part-time. I was also continuing my body of work from art school, which was heavily influenced by fashion. I began uploading my doodles to Instagram (most of which I was sketching at my part-time job or after I got home from the school) and the account quickly grew traction. I was soon being commissioned by brands and people were seeking a place to purchase my work, so much so that I was able to quit my other jobs and pursue this full time!
Can you tell me about your background? School? What set you up for this endeavor?
I went to Endicott College in Beverly, MA, just north of Boston. I studied Fine Arts and my concentration was in Studio Art. I was doing a lot of painting, but I have always been very interested in fashion, so I began to incorporate it in my work. During my time there I took a lot of figure drawing courses, and many other classes that taught my concepts and skills I still use as a fashion illustrator, but for the most part, I taught myself the art of "fashion illustration"
What all does H. Nichols Illustration do? What are your products?
I am a full-time fashion illustrator. My work is focused on projects with corporate brands, mostly in the fashion and beauty industries, and I also have a line of projects (shop linked at the end of this email) that I sell for all others to enjoy. They include prints of my sketches, cards, mugs, stationery items, towels and more. I also have an exclusive partnership with a tech company, Casetify (also linked at the end of this email), who carries my line of phone cases and tech accessories.
Is anyone else involved in H. Nichols Illustration?
I’m pretty much a one-woman show! Depending on the season, I may have a student intern assist me. They help out in the studio and on social media.
Is this your sole job? If not, what else do you do?
Yes! I couldn’t be happier to do what I love every day.
If you’re not doing it, what would your dream job be?
Hmmm. This truly is my dream job, however, I originally wanted to go into visual merchandising. I dreamt of working on the windows at Bergdorfs (though I suppose it could still be a possibly, in my line of work!).
How important is social media to your business?
I’d say my business is extremely reliant on social media. It’s how I got my start, but also how I attract a majority of my clients and customers.
What would you say is your personal brand is?
I’m very much an artist at heart and I prefer to remain behind the scenes. I want my whimsical drawings and the characters in my sketches to speak for themselves. I want people to be able to look at my work and be reminded of themselves or their friends, or perhaps who they want to be.
What can others learn from you?
I want to inspire people to draw again. For me, diving into fashion illustration allowed me to enjoy art again. You don’t have to get caught up in the technicality of the work or creating a narrative. It presents itself as it is. It’s pure fun, so I hope others can gather that and pick up a pen themselves and hopefully get the urge to draw!
How do you do under pressure? How do you handle stress?
Ah, there’s lots of that! I do my best work under time crunches. Everything in my life seems like a deadline, so I quickly learned to set up a self-care routine. That includes drinking lots of tea, working out regularly, listening to A LOT of podcasts (my favorites are Beautiful Anonymous, Another Round, My Favorite Murder, The Moth, and The Fashion Hags), and hanging out with my cat (lol).
What’s the average day in the life of Holly look like?
I wake up and do a quick check of social media and email from bed. I head to the gym, then my studio. Once I’m in my studio I package up any orders from the store that came in the night before and ship them out, then start on my commissioned work, which usually takes me to the end of the day. After work I either go to a yoga class or head home, where I sometimes do some sketching “just for fun”, cook a new meal, or just chill and watch old episodes of Grey’s Anatomy.
Do you/Did you have a mentor/mentee?
Yes, I’ve been lucky to have several. I took private art lessons growing up and my teacher, Julie, was always an inspiration to me. She recently passed, but she’s the one who first got me interested in art. Another mentor is Monica Lee, who is an artist and hosts the podcast Smart Creative Women. She helped me navigate how to become a professional artists, and we often share stories of both successes and woes. Another in the industry is Terri Mahn, whom I met this year. She’s a stylists who’s seen it all, and she’s connected me with many opportunities that have helped me build my portfolio.
How did you advance your career?
Social media has truly advanced my career, but so has always wanting to learn more. I’m only 26 so I see a long path ahead of me and I’m just starting out. I’d love to explore and travel more, and create art in new places. I consider myself to be on the beginning of my journey.
Why do you do what you do?
Because I could not live in a world where I wasn’t creating art or expressing myself in some capacity.
How would you describe your personal style?
Very, very minimal and comfortable (lots of black, some blushes, earth tones, and greys) . The truth is i’m not often in public and I’m usually just alone in my studio, so most days I’m in gym clothes or leggings and and oversized sweater. If I am at something I need to “dress up” for, my style is still very minimal, but I love incorporating feminine and romantic details.
What makes up your wardrobe?
A whole lot of leggings (lol), jeans, white tees, and some “statement” pieces. I can’t resist a good heel. My shoes take up more space in my closet than my clothes.
Who is your fashion icon?
Oh goodness, hmm. I worship everything Beyoncé so I’d have to say her. I remember being in middle school trying to “curate” pieces from my wardrobe to recreate her orange and purple look from “Crazy in Love” (which, needless to say, was a failure).
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
I’d like to think it hasn’t happened yet! However, so far, I would say my first time sketching at New York Fashion Week.
What is your ‘must have’ accessory?
A giant pair of sunglasses.
What advice can you give others that look towards you to gauge success?
Success is self-determined.
What advice can you give on failure?
Expect it, and learn from it.
What was your big break?
I’d have to say my campaign with TRESemmé at NYFW.
Are you a member of any organizations? Trade Organizations, etc.
Not at the moment, but I’d love to get involved in some!
What’s next for you? What’s next for H Nichols Illustration?
