Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Nichols.
Hi Gabriella, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
In my early years, creativity was my constant companion. I found myself daydreaming and doodling on my school assignments, which, at times, landed me in trouble. The spark of creation was always within me. Notable among my early artistic endeavors was a mermaid crafted from construction paper at the tender age of 5. This mermaid boasted flowing tresses and a meticulously fashioned shell bra. At 6, I embarked on a detailed drawing of my grandparents’ house, even painstakingly including the pool sweep. By the time I turned 9, I had ventured into the realm of three-dimensional art, constructing a Viking ship from paper.
As I matured, my quest for artistic growth led me to seek more from extracurricular art classes suited to my age group. Unfortunately, the art classes for a more mature crowd were hesitant to accept someone of my age. My daily drawing practice continued. Amidst this, a newfound passion took root in my life – the Civil Air Patrol, an Air Force Auxiliary. My love for it grew so deeply that I even contemplated joining the military. The experiences within the Civil Air Patrol instilled essential values of discipline, leadership, and excellence, although their long-term significance was not immediately apparent.
Upon entering high school, my life took a transformative turn as I crossed paths with the most influential person in my artistic journey – Ms. Schrock, my high school art teacher. Her guidance spanned four pivotal years and was instrumental in steering me towards a career in art, even as thoughts of a military career lingered in my mind. Ms. Schrock recognized my untapped potential and understood that I needed that extra nudge to wholeheartedly pursue art. She pinpointed areas of my creative process that required improvement and inspired me to enroll in what was then known as AP Drawing. To top it off, she facilitated my enrollment as the sole student in the AP Design course, given that I had exhausted all the other art classes offered by our modest high school.
Without the unwavering support of Ms. Schrock and the invaluable lessons from the Civil Air Patrol, I could never have committed myself to the intense and captivating world of art.
Upon reaching the Savannah College of Art and Design, I had the privilege of learning from some exceptional professors who challenged me and pushed me to grow. The influence of these professors is evident in my work, as it rapidly evolved and improved under their guidance. I’ve been fortunate to experience incredible opportunities through my school, such as the chance to study abroad in France and Germany. I wouldn’t exchange these experiences for anything in the world.
Yet, like every artist, I couldn’t escape the common fear: “How can I make a living from this?” Years passed without commissions, and the weight of starting my career began to bear on me. Then, an opportunity arose when the local military base needed logos. I seized the chance and completed logos for two units in the past year, with more projects in the pipeline.
As graduation approaches, the fear of launching my career remains, but I am fortunate to have an incredible support system of friends, family, and loved ones. I take immense pride in my journey, from where I’ve come to where I’m headed, and I’m eagerly anticipating the future with great excitement.
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?
The most significant challenge I’ve encountered, like many individuals of my age group, has been the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. It disrupted the final part of my senior year in high school, thwarted my graduation experience, and significantly impacted my first year of college, robbing me of numerous opportunities.
Throughout the pandemic, I persevered by working diligently, yet the results were not commensurate with my efforts. While I pursued my college education online, the remote classes lacked the engaging qualities of in-person learning. This unique period afforded me more time with my family before I embarked on my college journey. However, the experiences, particularly my first year in college, exacted a toll on me both mentally physically and had an impact on my skillset development.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in the field of illustration, with a focus on editorial/publication and concept art, which has cultivated a distinctive skill set. My primary medium of choice is digital illustration, but my heart truly belongs to the world of watercolor.
In terms of work experience, I am recognized for my collaborations with local military units to craft logos that not only encapsulate their unique narratives but also authentically represent their identities. This newfound passion has been an unexpected and deeply rewarding journey and something I want to explore further.
Moreover, I harbor a genuine affection for creating artwork tailored to young adult books, particularly within the realm of fantasy. There’s an exhilarating aspect to bringing the visuals of a story to life through my illustrations. What truly sets me apart from others in the field is my ability to weave storytelling into my artwork. While logos require a narrative to be conveyed, my book illustrations serve as a vivid embodiment of the stories they represent.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As previously mentioned, I was an incredibly creative child. I was that kid whose access to glue, scissors, paint, and tape was restricted by my mother, requiring constant supervision because I could turn just about anything into a project. I had an active imagination that transported me to different worlds on a daily basis, complete with a multitude of imaginary friends and fantastical creatures. Some days, my school was submerged underwater, and we all had dolphins as companions. On other days, I saw myself as a pioneer girl, reluctantly going to school instead of galloping on horseback. Occasionally, I imagined myself as part of the circus, dancing my way through the day. All of these scenarios found their way into my notebooks and workbooks, filling the pages with intricate doodles and creative musings.
My primary interests always leaned toward the artistic side of things. I enjoyed constructing intricate 3D paper models of various objects and reimagining scenes from beloved books like Harry Potter, Divergent, and The Hunger Games. Later in my teenage years, I found a deep passion for the Civil Air Patrol, an Air Force Auxiliary. This organization left an indelible mark on my youth, instilling discipline and bringing some much-needed organization to my naturally chaotic mind. To say that I was obsessed with it would be an understatement. I eagerly participated in a wide array of events, from Leadership Schools all across California to Ground School for Pilots in Mississippi and Honor Guard Academy in Virginia. Remarkably, I even acquired the skill to fly a plane before I could even get behind the wheel of a car!
Contact Info:
-
Website: https://www.
gabriellascreations.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creations_by_gabriella/
- Other: https://society6.com/gabriellanichols
