Connect
To Top

Meet Nigil Smith of Nigil Smith Design

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nigil Smith.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Nigil. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am an Atlanta GA based artist who has enjoyed teaching and creating various styles of art for family, friends, individual consumers, and companies for over ten years.

My journey as a professional artist began in 2002, when I taught middle school art. I saw the positive impact that the arts had on my students, which drove me to provide the service of art to a broader scale of people.

I began creating and selling designs and images for a variety of individuals and companies. I decided to offer the following services to meet the demands of individuals who enjoyed and patronized my art design.

Acrylic Painting on Canvas & Print
Photography
Licensing
Commissioned Works
Pastel

I was also able to successfully offer my services to numerous interior designers and I had the opportunity to exhibit in a variety of art galleries across the Metro Atlanta area

I currently continue to teach students through the arts, and create & design a variety of art for many people. I also create designs through photography, commissioned works, and a series of subject matter which I exhibit online for purchase. My online gallery serves as the hub for my designs both past, present, and future.

I also have future design plans, which include educational games for children, which will be correlated in conjunction with my nonprofit organization, Smith Academy for the Arts. This is aimed at providing a fun educational avenue for our youth to learn through the arts. Please stay tuned at nigilsmithdesign.com for more information on this future endeavor.

My education includes the following:

Education
2002- B.S Degree in Studio Art & Design from Tennessee State University
2003- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction from Tennessee State University
2006- Ed.S in Education: Administration & Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University

Experience
2002 til present- Art Teacher in Metro Atlanta GA
2002- Gallery Exhibit at Henry Van Gordan Gallery in Nashville TN
2005- Gallery Exhibit at Performing Arts Center in Atlanta GA
2006- Mural Project at Blalock Elementary School
2007- Art Exhibit at National Black Arts Fesitval in Atlanta GA
2007- Gallery Exhibit at Wood Is Wonderful Gallery in Atlanta GA
2007- Mural Project at Woodson Elementary School in Atlanta GA
2008- Art Exhibit at Atlantic Station in Atlanta GA
2008- Mural Project at Bolton Academy Elementary in Atlanta GA
2012- Gallery Exhibit at Douglas County Courthouse in Douglasville GA
2012- Graphic Designer at Kee Productions & Entertainment in Atlanta GA
2014 til present- Online Gallery Exhibit at nigilsmithdesign.com

Artist Statement

“Whether creating artistic design for licensing, commission, photography, or general purpose, my goal is to offer a variety of creative work for any occasion from my perspective…for your enjoyment” – Nigil Smith

Nigil Smith. Designer for Nigil Smith Design (NSDesign)

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been smooth at all. I have had many struggles and obstacles along the way. It reminds me of the old saying…”nothing comes easy”. I have found that to be true in my business dealings. I have had alot of appreciation for my designs and visual artwork, however the appreciation may not always translate to dollar signs! I found that it is important to garner relationships with those who love your design and patronize you. And although the communication and relationship with these individuals are rewarding, it can also be a time-consuming and daunting task. It takes much determination and dedication.

I have also had to learn from my mistakes along the way. This included the correct way in marketing my business, overhead expenses, and supplies. I have had to learn how to work smarter and not harder… (As the saying goes), so I would be more beneficial to those individuals who support my design. I do a lot of research and I educate myself on the industry of the arts as well as consumer marketing, which is quite helpful. It allows me to avoid a lot of pitfalls which could be very costly for me and my business. I also learned that being flexible in your ideas and being open to the need to reinvent certain business aspects is equally important. At the end of the day, you must believe and trust in your brand if you expect others to do so.

The need for “tough skin” is important also. You will get your fair share of individuals who may not be interested in your product, but you can’t give up or get down on yourself. I have learned that self-encouragement, a strong support system, and belief are keys to obtaining your goal. I also understand the fact that many successful people have traveled along the same paths that I have faced and some that I still continue to face as I work towards my business goals.

I continue to work at my craft of design so I can be more beneficial to the individuals who appreciate and enjoy my works. This skill of work ethic is shared with my students during my art classes that I teach as well.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Nigil Smith Design – what should we know?
My business, Nigil Smith Design, (or NS Design) is about the creation of unique and innovative design from my perspective by utilizing a variety of subject matter with media ranging from photography, watercolor, pastel, acrylic paint, drawings in color pencil, and graphic design. In short, I create different styles of paintings, drawings, and photographs for numerous occasions.

I offer my designs through licensing for companies, interior designers, and for the everyday consumer via online at nigilsmithdesign.com. I am currently in the process of branching out to other online companies that have shown interest in carrying my designs. I also offer my skills through commission for individuals and/or companies who may be interested in me providing my services through freelance work.

I have created murals and paintings for the individual consumer, logos for small businesses, and photography for individuals looking to create memories for birthdays, engagements, and baby showers.

I believe that God gives us all as individuals, unique and different talents and gifts that we can share with each other to enhance our quality of life. I believe I have been given the talents to teach and create a variety of designs in unique ways….utilizing various media from acrylic and watercolor paints, to pastels, color pencils, photography, and graphic design. I believe the designs that I have created are unique to my brand which allows the viewer to gather an interest in my work in which they are willing to invest into.

I don’t necessarily believe that I am set apart from my fellow artist and designer associates. I believe we are all in the same category, offering different variations from our brands. I think it is similar to having different types of candy in a candy store. You have a lot of different varieties of wonderful sweets to choose from. Some you may favor more than others, but you can appreciate and enjoy all of the wonderful sweet treats within the candy store!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have had a lot of support throughout my journey on this road to reaching my business goals. I am still on that road today. The support both past and present are important for me in reaching my goals. God, my family, and my friends are my support system. Also my past teachers and professors who have taught me life skills which are important to success. These individuals were available to view my designs and give their opinions of what they liked or disliked. They also shared with me ideas that could be helpful in improving my design ideas and reaching my business goals. This core group that I have still continues to support me today through prayers, advice, encouragement, and suggestions. The knowledge and support that they provide to me gives me the tools I need for success in this journey.

Pricing:

  • ART DESIGN: (Create logos, letter designs, original artwork or paintings, etc.). *$10 / per letter (for letter designs only) *$25.00 / per square foot *$25.00 sketch fee (sketch must be approved before creation of design) *$25.00 / per hour (fee covers detail creation cost of design)
  • MURAL DESIGN: (Create logos, letter designs, original art, etc.) *$20.00 / per square foot *$25.00 sketch fee (sketch must be approved before creation of design) *$25.00 / per hour (fee covers detail creation cost of design)
  • PHOTOGRAPHY: *$100.00 / per hour *$50.00 / 30 minutes *$25.00 / additional 15 minutes
  • WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: *$1000.00 / 5 hours *$1200.00 / 6 hours *$1500.00 / 8 hours Free session for the bride: for bridal shower, engagement, etc. (included) Free 13×19 wedding photo print (included) Wedding images on disc (included)
  • WEDDING ACCESSORIES: (Create monogram letter designs, monogram paintings, original artwork, etc.) $10 / per letter (for letter designs only) $25.00 / per square foot (for monogram paintings or original artwork only) $25.00 sketch fee (sketch must be approved before creation of design) $25.00 / per hour (fee covers detail creation cost of design)

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Copyright Nigil Smith Design. All Rights Reserved

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in