Today we’d like to introduce you to Hail Nowak.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My fairytale began in a quaint little town called Sylvania, Ohio. I could always be found doodling characters, usually angels with red-tipped hair and other fantastical creatures, with Harry Potter or Disney movies playing in the background on repeat. In high school, I knew that I wanted to have a creative career but having my art hanging in a gallery just didn’t seem like the right fit for me. So I went the graphic design route.
I started at the University of Michigan and, later, transferred to the University of Southern California. Because sunshine. I loved being immersed in the world of entertainment and was lucky enough to intern for MGM, Playboy, and Disney.
After graduating, I kept going down the design path until I realized that all of my designs were based in illustrations. So, I started focusing on that! I started doing personal commissions, creating a line of stationery, and selling at local art fairs. I’ve been able to combine my love of entertainment, art, and design to create work that is bubbly, colorful, and is full of pop culture references.
Please tell us about your art.
Primarily, I create my art digitally. Otherwise, I love ink and acrylics. I really lean into a magical, cutsie, fantastical imagery, specifically mermaids and unicorns. I’ve evolved so far from my simple red-tipped haired angels. For me, creating characters and scenes that are far away from the world we live in to create an opportunity for me to flex my imagination and focus my energy in a positive way. And I hope viewers feel that little bit of escapism. With the world we live in so politically charged and tense, I want people to feel safe and happy on some level when they see my work. Even just for a brief moment. The artwork I share is always a little imperfect in design, and I do that intentionally. I hope that people can see that imperfection as a positive.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Money is always a struggle! And my go-to to solve for this is to never say no to a project that comes my way. With that being said, I usually overload myself on work, which is also stressful. But, for now, it works for me knowing that I will continue to have a flow of income. I also realize that each person is in a different situation financially, but part of being an artist is being a hustler. So pick up your brush of choice and hustle through it.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see my work ALL THE TIME on IG (@allhaildesign). But I also showcase my work at art fairs locally. I’m usually at DesignerCon, Unique LA, and Jackalope Art Fair. I love to meet other creatives at these events and just coming up and saying hi is a great show of support! I also sell on Etsy, Casetify, and Society 6, all under “All Hail Design.”
Contact Info:
- Website: http://allhaildesign.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: allhaildesign
Image Credit:
Artist Portrait – Christine Hanks
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