Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Petrow.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nikki. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It has been a journey getting to this point, and I am so thankful it has to lead me here. As a kid, my parents have always noticed my creativity. Since I was in elementary school, they have always glorified my artwork. I knew I enjoyed creating art, but I always thought of it as a hobby. It took a long time to change my perspective and look at it as a career. Growing up, I always felt like I needed a more stable and secure job, and no one really told me that I did not have to go the traditional route. I slowly started realizing in college that I wanted to do something different. I didn’t want to work the average salary job. I tried getting a college degree in something I thought was the “good” or “right” choice. It took two years of studying mechanical engineering to realize I could not pretend anymore. I wanted to do something that I had drive, purpose, and passion for. Ever since then, I have been pursuing a graphic design degree at Kennesaw State University. I honestly could not be happier. I have learned talents about myself that I never knew I had.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I cannot say it has been a smooth ride. During my second semester as a graphic design major, I was a full-time student taking three studio classes, a general education class and I was working five days a week. I hardly slept because I had so much work to do and in such little time. So, between working out and being a full-time student and worker, I was so overwhelmed, stressed out and depressed. After everything that semester, I had to take the following semester off because it was so stressful. I used that semester to travel and work on some of my own projects, and it was a much-needed break. I will say I made all A’s that semester and I wasn’t going to let my work take the fall no matter the circumstances. Now I have learned to balance my time, and focus more on school rather than anything else. I do feel like artistry can be overlooked, and there is so much time and effort put into work behind the scenes. Most of the time, people only see the final work and little do they know it took 30 or more hours to create. As an artist, you HAVE to be dedicated.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
As of right now, I do freelance work from my at-home studio. I have kept my work broad because I have a broad interest and I can do a majority of the projects my clients have asked for. I have done mostly paintings, drawings, illustrations, and graphic designs. Although, as I further with my degree I mostly want to focus on graphic design work including company branding (logo, business cards, album covers, etc.), and publication designs for companies or advertising (posters, menus, book design, etc.). I will always be glad to do traditional or digital drawings for clients. I would say I am known as a local artist who is trying to make it into the real art world. I am trying to put myself out there as much as possible, and I’m still trying to figure out the best way to do that. I have short and long term goals to make all of that possible. I have a large interest in meeting other local artists and supporting them because there is so much to learn from each other. SUPPORT your local artists!! We are some of the most genuine people.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was adventurous, sporty, and loved spending time with my family and friends. I grew up in Long Island, and we spent endless summers RV camping on beaches with a huge group of friends. We created so many amazing memories, and I would say that inspired this beach vibe that I will never let go of. You could imagine, I did not want to leave that lifestyle. So after moving to Georgia, I began to know my introverted side. I spent more time doing things like writing, drawing and reading. It took me a while to fully understand myself and “who I am.” Only within the past few years has it started making sense. Reading on my zodiac sign has actually helped tremendously. I am a Libra, so after finding out we strive to live a balanced, peaceful, equal, and happy lifestyle everything began to make more sense. I strongly believe that experiences make you who you are.
Contact Info:
- Email: nikkipetrow@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilartisti/
Image Credit:
Nikki Petrow
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