Behind the Scenes with Nicole Kurtz
A designer & artist inspired by cats, positive affirmations, and daily sketching
Next in our series of Behind the Scenes is the talented Nicole Kurtz, OVERexpressed & OUT’s graphic designer.
What brings you joy?
My two cats, Sushi and Wasabi, bring me so much joy. I am so thankful to have them in my life and observing cats is free entertainment. I work from home so it's good to have pets to keep me company and pull me away from my desk!Â
Describe your art process.
Recently I have viewed myself as much more of a Designer, than an Artist. By that I mean a lot of the works that I do are meant to solve a specific problem, while art can be perceived differently by any viewer. As a Designer, I use creative thinking skills to convey a specific message, so the first step is always to connect with my client to discuss the project deliverables.
I use my sketchbook, which also doubles as my journal, to ideate how to best visualize the design. I always sketch in pen and then decide which digital medium I will use to create the final design. I always give variations to the client as a first step. After I show my initial composition concepts, we will discuss how to proceed. The client will tell me their favorite composition, or tell me what elements from each composition they do or don’t like, and I use that to develop a second draft. From there I can experiment with different textures, colors, and even dimensions- as I love creating 3D works as well.
Overall, it is important for me to fuse the different lessons I have learned across the many different art and design concentrations I have trained in. Though for the past few years I have been creating works for well-known brands, as well as small businesses, I want to make the shift to creating pieces that stem from my exploration.
In 2021, you illustrated your first children's book, The Happy Way Every Day! in collaboration with author David Stills. What would you share about that experience?
Illustrating The Happy Way Every Day!, was such an awesome experience! I liked the process of working with David to visually bring his words to life. The book also has a workbook section which is meant to have kids think about how they can use mindfulness in their morning routine. This book is a resource that I wish I had as a child. I think about how many books from my childhood stuck with me even to this day, and those books have to do with acknowledging and regulating emotions, as well as being kind to oneself.
You self-published an Affirmation Journal, titled What We Nurture Will GROW with your cousin, Alexandria ShyeEaze Harrell, in 2022. Why was/is the power of journaling and mindfulness meaningful for you and important to share?
I am so proud of my cousin for writing What We Nurture Will GROW, and I was so happy to format this book with her. On my best days, I wake up repeating a series of affirmations. Starting my day on a positive note and being kind to myself subconsciously has been important to me. I had to reframe my thinking in many ways because negativity did become a default for a long time, even if it was sarcastic or unintentional. What we don’t realize is our negative thoughts can also be negative affirmations and it can be a hard cycle to break if you start believing what you tell yourself. Communicating my thoughts with journaling helps me make sense of my emotions, and helps me better understand the steps I need to take to meet whatever short-term goals I have.
Words of wisdom for young/new artists?
 Sketch and journal every day! Creativity is a muscle.