Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikol Safronova.
Hi Nikol, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started doing art pretty young. I remember when I was three years old, my parents had a separate room in our apartment in Russia that they let me paint all over. I think that was the moment I knew I was meant to do something creative/be in a creative field.
Although I continued to do art after I left Russia and moved to America, unfortunately, I stopped in high school because I was told to “focus on a real career path”. I really wish I didn’t listen then because creative fields ARE a real career path. In college, I was a business major but throughout all of my time, I constantly wished I was doing something else. There was a point during my freshman year where I was doing really poorly in school and was beating myself up over it because I was frustrated that I wasn’t understanding the material like everyone else. It was at that moment that I decided to channel my frustration into figuring out how I can create a path for myself that was both creative and lucrative – so I figured I would try out UX/UI design. I thought if I could combine my passion for being a part of something impactful with art, it would solve all of my existential dread but I quickly came to find out that it wasn’t the right choice for me. At the same time that I realized I shouldn’t be doing product design, I got a tattoo done by @stab.dee. The reason why I mention this is because, during the appointment, I saw how confident she and @jaynawon (her studio mate at the time) were in themselves and in their art. It was incredibly inspiring and that day, I left thinking “Wow, I could really try to do this”. And so the next day, I learned how to stick-and-poke! From that moment forward, things kind of took off and my little tattoo account started growing! I even got to tattoo alongside Sab and Jayna at their new studio (@angelkissesstudio) – things all really came in a full circle. I’m so happy and grateful to continue to do what I love and to work with such amazing people every day.
I also work as a graphic designer at Sturdy (a creative agency specializing in music industry production + design, @sturdy.co on Instagram). That experience so far has been really fun as well, especially because I get to experience and understand what goes into creating a brand for an artist/an album from the ground up and work with some really talented creatives! Recently, I worked on the Olivia Rodrigo “driver’s license” single and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s and Skrillex’s merch.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were definitely a LOT of struggles along the way – there still are! I think I’m someone who constantly likes to stay busy, to a fault if I’m going to be honest. So I often find myself overwhelmed, more so recently because I’m finishing up school, working and tattooing at the same time. I’m still learning to how to balance but that’s definitely something I’ve been and continue to struggle with.
In terms of tangible roadblocks, I’ve faced a lot of backlash from my parents in the beginning but now, thankfully, they’re really supportive!
I think ultimately, the biggest challenge for me is my relationship with my mind. I love my mind but at the same time, it tricks me into thinking some problems are bigger than they actually are, or that people perceive me differently than they actually do, etc. (it’s really just a constant loop). Meditating and practicing gratitude for my mind has really helped me stay grounded.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In terms of what I do – I’m a designer and tattoo artist. I primarily specialize in graphic design, illustration, and merch design. Currently, I freelance, tattoo, and work at Sturdy!
Most notably, I’m known for my tattoos and my work with artists in the music industry. Recently, I’ve worked with Olivia Rodrigo, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Skrillex, UMI, and glaive.
I’m most proud of my tattoo account, my posters (I have a lot still up on nikol.darkroom.tech but looking to reprint them soon), and my work with PARTYNEXTDOOR’s and glaive’s merch.
I think what sets me apart from others is my personal style. I used to be really hard on myself about finding a style but recently, I realized that my style will constantly evolve so I shouldn’t be worried about finding it right now. I think freeing myself from that pressure actually allowed my intrinsic style to shine through!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
This question is really special to me because I’ve recently gone through a journey of finding a mentor! I think what really worked well for me is to let go of the fear that I might be bothering someone if I’m asking for their help. In the past, I used to wait around for people to hit me up or I thought that finding a mentor is something I would do “when I’m older”/I could do it myself, but that’s not true! Learning how to take initiative and meet people that I look up to online/in-person has been the best thing I’ve done so far in the past couple of months (seriously, I asked myself the other day why I didn’t do this sooner). Also, mentors are all around you, you just have to tune in and pay attention to who you’re letting into your life and if they bring you positive, guiding energy.
TLDR; don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help! People want to help!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://nikol.darkroom.tech/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikolsaf/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/tat.boo/
Image Credits:
Eddie Mandell (photo of me taking a photo, photo of me with needle and ink)
