The Nick Potts Interview
Are you originally from Australia? What was your childhood like growing up? When did you first begin to fall in love with music and art? Was this relevant around your household growing up? Do you have any siblings?
I was born in Sydney Australia, life was pretty normal growing up in the suburbs. I came from a pretty big family with 4 sisters and brothers. I was always into art, surfing from a young age which informed a lot of my style choices over the years. Art was a bit of a Segway into music, I remember looking at old record covers and always being amazed by the images I saw. My true taste for music probably began maybe at around the age of 12-13. I remember there always being music played at home although it wasn’t always necessarily my preferred style it was always around.
What would you and your friends do for fun growing up? Who were some of your earliest influences in your formative years both musically and artistically? How did you initially get into graphic design and illustrating?
I only had a close few friends growing up and we definitely all shared a love for music and surfing. From a young age, it was all about the Simpsons and those styles of cartoons, I’d draw my own characters and create comics and thought that’s what I wanted to do in life. Then as I got older and got more into music especially heavier styles of metal and rock n roll that shaped the style of art I would create and did for a long time. I still often think about how the music I listen to reflects how I feel about things in life and how intertwined the two are.
You’ve worked on some incredible graphics and illustrations for folks such as Margo Price, Marren Morris, Wrangler and so many more! When did you notice your work was beginning to take off and you began to get all these incredible opportunities to work in the outlets you have?
It has all happened pretty naturally over the course of my career and there has been a steady build to where it is today. It’s just been through being consistent and maintaining a particular style that can stretch across many different mediums and subjects. There was a definite point 4 years ago just after my first son was born and I decided to pursue art full time which has come with many challenges, but I am lucky to still be getting opportunities to work with great artists and companies all over the world.
What have been some of your favorite projects to work on and why? How much has your work evolved since you first started out on this journey?
I always enjoy working with Wrangler, it’s super cool to be able to go out and see different designs I’ve done out in the wild. It’s evolved so much since I first began! I have recently been going back to look at pieces from about ten years ago and they’re all a lot darker, very reflective of where I was at that time. There’s a lighter vibe and a more positive message coming through them. Even though it has changed so much there are still many common themes.
What do you find yourselves expressing, or exploring the most through your art? What have you got in the works as 2023 continues to roll out nearing Spring/Summer?
I think as life gets more intense I try to create pieces that have a bit more of a stillness to them. I am currently working on my own range of t-shirts, tote bags, throws and some other products to put out on my store and really give that a push, I’ve done it for so long for so many others I thought it was my time to do it for myself.
You just had another baby! What has this been like for you guys? Is there anything else you would like to further share with the readers?
It’s been so much fun, but also it’s had its share of challenges. It’s always such a trip watching them grow and getting to know them. It’s been the best period of my life. I’m always so stoked with the support and love for my work I see, so I thank you all!
