Rising Stars: Meet Nadajia (NS2) Hall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadajia (NS2) Hall.

Hi Nadajia (NS2), thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I knew art was for me when I couldn’t take my eyes off of the amazing artwork my father would create. But there was a moment in my life when I needed something positive to do to cope with the passing of my mother. She gained her angel wings in the year of 2012. I never thought that I would lose my mom at a young age. I asked my dad if he could teach me how to airbrush to help me create things that expressed how I felt. In 2015, I got accepted into the Art Institute of Philadelphia for media arts and animation. Moving from NC back up north was a big transition for me because I was doing it on my own. A few years go by and sadly, the school shut down due to financial aid issues and other reasons. I honestly thought that was the end for me. But then I remembered the promise I made to my mom. “I promise to tell the world my story and how art helps me express how I truly felt, mommy, our art gallery is coming soon.” As the years go by, I taught myself different techniques on graffiti and abstract art. Each new canvas that I would create showed the growth of not only my art style but how I handle day-to-day situations.

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?
Imagine yourself on the fastest and tallest roller coaster in the world, but instead of the ride ending it keeps going and going. Doesn’t seem fun right, nope. But when I tell you it’s worth it… IT’S WORTH IT! With covid hitting the world the way it did, buying art wasn’t everyone’s top priority; and I had to come to a realization with that. But on the other hand, I knew in my heart that if I would have stopped creating, then there would be less light, happiness, and purity for people to see and enjoy. We all need some type of color and design to make us happy! I had to sit back and think of ways to keep people connected to the art world. This gave me an idea to make fun, interactive reels and stories on Instagram where I will ask people different colors to use on my next project. It did take some time for people to respond but I did not let that stop me.

On top of that, I felt like no one was interested in my style of art. It was at a point where I even started to question if this was for me. Having conversations with my dad and getting his insight on the creative world, he explained that when you are passionate about something, and it shows, then people around you will be just as passionate to be there and support you.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an abstract and graffiti artist! I also airbrush and sketch out human anatomy designs, but I can not draw a face to save my life! Something about mixing up abstract and graffiti together makes me feel warm and happy inside. I know it may sound funny, but being able to combine different styles and colors will grab anyone’s attention. I have always been known for my taste in fashion as well as art.

Personally, I only use spray paint, acrylic paint, sharpie, and modge-podge. I have taught myself how to be able to blend both acrylic and spray paint without it spreading like an inkblot. Also, I love to make people think that it is just one design, but turning on that black light shows a completely new canvas! Using spray paint takes me back to when I would catch the train into Philly and I would see the graffiti artist creating beautiful murals. Going to the art museums and taking a walk down center city and downtown Philadelphia to look at the murals was always a part of my childhood, so I want to show that in my artwork! Recently I had the wonderful opportunity in creating a large canvas for a local restaurant located in Northfield, NJ. The establishment is called Taqueria Rendon, it is an authentic Mexican restaurant. Being able to represent that and the chief’s passion in one big canvas made me sit back and smile. Mom, I am getting closer to our goal!

Lastly, I call all of my supporters my Creative Aliens. Why? Because we are out of this world! I know it may seem corny, but the story behind it is beautiful. I have been called weird for liking different types of music and for even liking to paint. My mom always told me, “Do what makes you happy and never let anyone take your joy.” I stick by that every day. With my art, I let people know to be themselves and that they are worthy no matter what. Never let social media distract you from what YOU were meant to do. If you do not feel accepted, then get your ticket to the one and only CreativePlanet!

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to have my very own art gallery and to be world-known! Showing everyone that it is okay to be different within a canvas is amazing to me. I want to be able to watch people look at my artwork and smile to themselves. Also, I want to start my very own art program for children and adults so they can be able to create as well! It is hard to find good programs that actually care about the community. I want to be that person that changes that. Art can help with many different things as far as mental health as well as learning about the color wheel and how colors can affect you. My art gallery will be a space where people can share their stories in the most creative way ever! I am looking forward to meeting new artists and even collab with them!

Pricing:

• Black light paint – $20.00 flat rate
• Different size canvas can range from $100-$300 small/med/large
• Shipping is a flat rate of $7.50
• Extra Gloss is $30.00

Contact Info:

• Email: nadajia.art@gmail.com
• Website: www.etsy.com/shop/ns2creativeplanet
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ns2_art