Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Nichole.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Creativity has always been a form of expression for me. For as long as I can remember, I have been an artist, a creator. From being a young child coloring in my coloring books while my cousins would flip over the furniture to creating coloring books and exhibitions to display my work. I was fortunate to have parents and family who though not artistic themselves, would still allow me the freedom of expression (to a certain degree). I spent most of my elementary days teaching myself to draw. Like most other 90’s babies, I watched Bob Ross and would try to learn his techniques. By middle school, I began to alter my clothing and find out about digital art. Shortly after, I began begging my parents for a MacBook. I kept that love and energy, into college where I would learn and develop as both a fine artist and a designer. In case you were wondering, I also finally got a MacBook Pro. I spent most of my elementary days teaching myself to draw. Like most other 90’s babies, I watched Bob Ross and would try to learn his techniques.
From graduating from college to landing my first full-time as a graphic designer, becoming a new mom had me very busy. I became obsessed with notes and notebooks by my final semester. The use of these items aided me tremendously in not only the day to day to-do-list and/or grocery list, but also even in my daily journaling and future planning. The notebooks and/or notes evolved into a daily practice and a way to keep me top of mind with my daily activities, combined with me not finding many items that had African American representation and even less, with big curly hair. So I identified a need and that inspired me to create Lovely’s Little Shop.
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?
Things have not always been easy but they have been worth it. Being an artist is being able to express through creativity. For me, often, that comes from a personal place. I use my art to express emotions, its like meditation for me. Often I take the feelings that I feel very passionately (typically pain or joy) and turn them into beautiful images. My way of putting that energy to good use. It can be very difficult to take your heart and work to be critiqued by the outside world. However, I do not create just for myself, I create for everyone, for anyone who relates to or just enjoys my work. So women and little girls can see more images that represent who they are.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
Ashley Nichole Art Studio was created by a certain number of events falling into place. As stated, I will always be a creator, so I had a style and products I was selling through Lovely’s Little Shop but I still would often paint. Not for any reason but to express myself, however, after a friend noticed a pile of paintings, she began to urge me to share them. I was very hesitant, Lovely’s Little shop had a clear purpose, though personal not as personal at the art I create from an emotional space. This same friend pitched me for a face painting event soon after where I could sell my art. I. Quickly made prints and stickers, and face painting supplies. I realized I enjoyed sharing and selling my art more than I thought I would, especially with kids. It’s so wonderful to see how their little minds start running with ideas, to see the creative spark in them.
Last winter, I created a Mermaids coloring book for kids. All the mermaids have big hair or curly hair. They are having all types of fun. Since all my art isn’t for kids, I also created Naturally Beautiful a pin-up coloring book for adults. I’m currently working on creating more, and I hope you. Follow to see what I have in store. Lovely’s Little Shop is a stationary and accessory brand for women of color I created in 2017. I wanted to see more big hair women of color on everyday products. I was using notebooks every day to journal and compile various lists, often finding cute women illustrations but few with women of color. I began to incorporate patterns I created, as well as including crystals in some of the illustrations. New Summer collections are coming soon!
What were you like growing up?
Yes! There is so much always going on. Especially for someone creative, from the murals to the architecture, Atlanta is beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Address: 36 Lindy Lane
- Website: www.AshleyNicholeArt.com
- Phone: 3136628705
- Email: a.nicholerobertson@gmail.com
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