We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nikolas Ilic. Check out our conversation below.
Nikolas, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
For me it’s when I start my day by sitting down with a cup of coffee and start drawing. It’s such a great feeling when you lose track of time and enter that flow state of creativity. To me that’s when I know I love what I do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nikolas Ilic and I am artist working both as a character designer in animation and a children’s book author/ illustrator. Creating characters and worlds for my characters is such a fulfilling aspect to my work. There is something very rewarding to me when starting up on a new project with no visuals and by the end of the first day you have an original unique character full of life.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I would say my dad taught me the most about work. They may not be specific to my career but they are values I still try and hold onto in my day to day. The first one being kind to the people you work with. It’s easy to say that but taking the little extra time to get know others goes along way and I think is quite important to do. The second one being able to take a step back from the busy work life and to allow yourself a reset so to speak. Whenever I find myself overwhelmed or stressed out I try my best to remind myself to take a step back and get some healthy distance for clarity.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Being an artist I think it is quite common to have imposter syndrome. I know I definitely suffered from this in my career. The feeling of not being good enough has definitely held me back in both my confidence and self worth. Now being a professional for the past 14 years I feel confident in my work and abilities. I think for me that has all come from the experiences and opportunities I have gotten over the years. Getting over that has been such a freeing experience and almost like a barrier has been lifted.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
To me foundational shifts are something that sticks to your creative process which slowly evolves over time and gets implemented into your workflow. A fad on the other hand is something you might do just because its currently popular and or is what seems to be in. Generally speaking following a fad is never a good thing in my opinion as you are never going to get ahead and be innovative.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I definitely know the feeling when I’m so to speak tap dancing to work. It’s generally when I have a good work balance going on. From a creative place I love when I am working on both a children’s book and an animation project. Going between the two are a nice change in pace that keeps me inspired and motivated. So when those two things align I’m definitely tap dancing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nikolas-ilic.com/home-page
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikolas.ilic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolas-ilic-8431ba33
- Twitter: https://x.com/nikolas_ilic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtofNikolasIlic/
- Other: IMDB- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6675309/
Tumblr- https://nikolas-ilic.tumblr.com/
