Interview with graphic designer Nicola McIntosh
Design Montage would like to introduce you to Nicola McIntosh – one very talented all rounder! She’s a newbie on the design and illustration scene, but has such a diverse and interesting background. You can see more of Nicola’s work on her instagram or buy prints and cards from a larger range of her designs.
How have you got to where you are today?
I studied Fashion Couture when I left high school and went on to be a costume designer for a few years and worked in a dressmaking and alteration store. I then had a Rave clothing fashion label! It was hard to find out of the ordinary clothes, so I made up fluffy jackets, corduroy overalls with reflector stars and see-through plastic pockets.
I had had a lot of health issues growing up and have always been drawn to herbs and natural healing. I was really frustrated that I didn’t know what all the herbs were used for, so looked into finding a course to learn about herbs.
I completed a Diploma of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine) and left to work in a clinic as a Women’s Herbalist. Then the Degree became available… So I went back to study and completed the degree! I then went on to study Chinese Herbal Medicine and enrolled in a Masters at RMIT in Melbourne. This required me to fly down 4 times a year to do the intensive workshops. I absolutely loved it, but it was highly stressful working, studying and saving all my money to fly to Melbourne so often, for so long.
I also couldn’t ignore the yearning to pursue something in a creative field, so I deferred my course, took 3 months leave from work and studied Graphic Design at Shillington College. Something which I know has changed my life for the better.
You can probably tell that I love to study. I am just so interested in learning as much as I can about things that interest me. You can never have too much knowledge and it means I always have lots of hobbies to keep me interested! I’ve also studied Lapidary which is gem cutting and a bit of silversmithing, so I have also made jewellery in the past. (WOW!)
In a few words, describe yourself…
Open-minded, passionate, motivated, creative.
What are you spending your time on at the moment?
Too many things! Just finished my website.. have to do my business stationery… have a drawing in which I am turning some cute little girls into angels… I have a huge watercolour fairy painting that I have started and I really want to get some t-shirt designs happening. I am also teaching myself how to do digital fantasy paintings…. and I want to check out pottery next! I’m also in the process of restoring a huge architects drafting desk, which will be my new drawing desk.
Do you have a ritual for getting into the creative mindset? Or a creative process?
I love to get into comfortable clothing and tie my hair back. I love my really old Lee jeans, which are ripped and have paint on them, but are so comfy. I also love no shoes and music always playing in the background. You really need to be grounded and have to be in the mood. There is no use trying to do something if you don’t feel like doing it. When you have the right mood and right setting, it all just flows and before you know it hours have flown by.
What or who inspires you?
I really love the fine art of Si Scott, but also love the digital art of Bente Schlick. I am addicted to buying magazines like ImagineFX for their digital art tutorials. They are inspiring me to learn more about digital painting, which is also where I want to head. I generally am a pretty motivated person and find there just aren’t enough hours in the day to learn everything I want to learn. I am motivated by where I will be in a few years time with a lot of practice under my belt!
What are you most proud of?
Without ego, I would have to say that I am most proud of myself. I am proud of the person who I have become through overcoming the many obstacles in my life. I have made sure that whatever happens, I pick myself up and keep going.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I really wanted to be a scientist or an astronomer when I was a kid and as I grew up I wanted to be a fashion designer or artist. I guess when you get older you really have to assess if you’re happy with where you are and if you’re not, you need to take those steps to make sure you follow your dreams.
