Meet Nikoli Partiyeli

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikoli Partiyeli.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Nikoli. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started with a camera, janky version of Photoshop, and visual ideas I wanted to execute. Those tools helped me jumpstart my interest in the creative fields I’m currently working in. Through endless Youtube rabbit holes, working on projects with friends, and eventually studying at school — I’ve cultivated my style that translates across my photography, designs, videos, music, and any other creative venture I find myself involved with.

As I got older, I would bring my camera everywhere, parties, school, or hanging out with my friends. I started to document everything and was always looking for an opportunity to create. Fast forward through college, taking formal art classes for the first time, making new friends, and a lot of trial and error to 2019 (a year after graduating school). I get a call asking if I’d like to join Wallows on a tour as their photographer and videographer. Around the same time, I also released my first EP as Elais Park. After going on tour with them, I’ve been busy working on numerous creative project with a lot of amazing people. As I continue to move forward, I’m taking countless photos, directing / shooting/editing a ton of videos and continuing to release music. Most recently, I’ve dropped PLAYNICE Hoodies and a song +music video for my song Open Mind.

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?
Honestly, I like to think of it like this, they’re many different roads that I can and will walk on — with arrows pointing every which way. Sometimes I’ll find myself walking down the wrong path and sometimes it’s the right one. However, as long as I keep moving, even if the road seems a little bumpy, I know there’s always a smooth road ahead. In terms of struggle, I’ve started numerous projects, some don’t work out and some do, and when they don’t work out, it was frustrating in the moment. Over the years, I’ve shifted my perspective from seeing it as a frustration but rather as an opportunity to learn and get better at what I do.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
At heart I’m a freelancer, I work with my friends and through references. Recently, I’ve begun operating under the name PLAYNICE. Depending on who you ask, I’m either Photographer, Designer, Director, DP, Editor, Creative Director, Musician, Producer, or a combination of those. I’ve found that all creative fields intersect and complement each other. When creating anything, I’m always looking to take a 360 approach which encompasses all angles in which a project could expand creatively.

I love adapting to all situations, which comes from a decision I made early on that I wouldn’t be afraid of being myself and wouldn’t let the opinions of others sway my perspective. In addition to the way, I’ve trained myself to see a moment when photographing, filming or designing.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a talkative, friendly, and curious person — I still am. I loved making new friends and connecting with all types of people. I was the type of person that befriend everyone, was always taking risks, and on an adventure. I always took an interest in learning about people and their lives. In general, I’d always have my camera on me and would always be capturing moment after moment. Beyond taking an interest in people and creative fields, I would often find myself reading or watching tv shows and movies. And of course, spending a lot of time with my friends and family. I also always took an interest in collecting vintage clothes, cameras, and other unique items that I’d find while going to thrift stores. I’ve accumulated quite the collection of assorted phones, TVs, cameras, and moreover the years.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nikolipartiyeli.com / www.playnicebenice.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/nikoliparty

Image Credit:
Main Photograph: Sam Winship; Photos 1,3,4,7: Nikoli Partiyeli, Photo 5: Kayla Kerendian, Photo 2: Ryan Hamilton, Photo 6: A Still From Quincy’s Aye Yo Music Video | Directed By: Nic Stanich, DP: Carlos Medina, Editor: Nikoli Partiyeli

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.