Our next and final Featured Artist is: Jared Nickerson aka: J3Concepts
Tell us who you are.
I am Jared Nickerson, I’m a 27 year old freelance illustrator. I was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After a number of moves throughout Canada and the US I am now located in Seattle, Washington where I run my own design studio; J3Concepts. I’m also remote Art Director for European based clothing label laFraise as you know and I’m also Co-Founder of renowned vector community BloodSweatVector.
What is your best piece of art to date? which are you the most proud of?
It’s hard to know exactly what piece I like the best, my tastes always change. Currently though maybe because it’s one of my newer pieces, I’m enjoying Daddy Is A Jewel Thief. Took me longer than any other work I’ve done to date, and I’m fairly happy with the outcome. I hate working on patterns of this detail but I always seem rather happy with the outcome.
You sit down, you grab a pencil or pen, what goes through your mind? what’r you listening to? are you wearing pants?
Always need a playlist, like most artists. I listen to anything from early Phoenix (United) to early Daft Punk (Homework) to more recent Retro/Grade and even the classic “Happy Together” by The Turtles. All seem to inspire me in different ways and in turn sometimes results in a little dancing. Usually not wearing pants in the process, just recently got a cozy bathrob so most work takes place in that.
Is art a lot more gratifying when you can make money at it? What do you think makes it so fulfilling?
Making money at what you love doing is def. a perk of the job. I think that’s true freedom, you can still be working, but it’s enjoyable and you could do it all day. I also like seeing a piece I’ve worked hard on, in completion, it’s gratifying to say the least.
Favorite animal, least favorite animal? Why? Which do you think would taste the best with a side of gravy?
One of my favorite animals (I have a few) is the African Dik-Dik, it’s like a midget antelope. Least favorite is ummmm… I love all animals, maybe housecats I dislike? I wouldn’t want to eat one though… It’d need a shitload of gravy.
What single element, person, object or real life situation, do you think has influenced you the most throughout your artist career? why?
If I’d have to choose 1, it’d be Canada. Mainly because once I moved to the USA, my productivity has gradually dropped. Honestly though I don’t know. Probably the people I have met throughout my life. Most have been a big encouragement and I couldn’t do what I do now without those people, especially my wife. Awwww…. *barf.
One person in the whole world you get to eat and absorb all their powers/talent/knowledge, who would that person be?
Murdering someone and absorbing their soul? It’d have to be Donald Trump, he seems to know whats going on in the world, has business smarts and his own TV show. I’d want to keep my own looks though. Honestly I couldn’t think of anyone else, it’s late here, 1am.
Do you get into creative “slumps”? How do you get out?
I’ve been in a slump for such a long time actually, when you find a way to get out of it, let me know. I remember producing 5-15 personal works a month, now I’m lucky to get 1-2 out. I’m taking a few drawing/design courses next year to hopefully spark up my creativity again. Wish me luck!
Any current projects/shows/releases you want to advertise?
Not too many I can talk about just yet, but I am working on 2 very large projects with fellow laFraise artists Niark, Cuypi and Meka (ZombieCorp). The first of those projects will be released in the next 1-2 months actually. Besides that I just had a solo show here in Seattle entitled “Lessons In Leaving Your World Behind” and I’m currently working on a few videogames.
