Meet Nikolas Ilic

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikolas Ilic.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in a small town called Arthur, in Ontario Canada which is just over an hour’s drive from the city of Toronto. Growing up I spent a lot of time outdoors. Since we lived in the country we had lots of lands and were surrounded by nature. We had a huge pond in the backyard which definitely brought a lot of entertainment to my childhood. Swimming in the summer and ice skating in the winter, and yes, of course, I played hockey on the pond. After all I grew up in Canada eh!? While growing up we didn’t have cable so watching VHS tapes was a big source of entertainment besides books.

All the classic Disney films definitely had an impact on me and getting into animation and making art. The first movie I remember seeing in theaters was Beauty and the Beast, with my mom. At the time I was taken aback by how real the characters felt and I couldn’t imagine or understand that they were drawn frame by frame. Not only was I inspired from Disney classics but also my older brother. He was very much into art as well and we collected comics and art books together. We would always be recreating from comics or anything that we loved.

Throughout high school, I continued to pursue art and then decided to apply to Sheridan College’s Animation program. After four years I received my bachelor’s degree in animation (2011.) Since graduating, for about a year I worked in Toronto while doing freelance work for studios based out in LA. Eventually, I then made my way out to sunny LA where I currently reside with my wife and dog!

I’ve been in LA now for seven or so years – I couldn’t think of a better home base. The city has so much to offer for whatever your interests may be. There is a greatly respected artist culture and living here has granted me so many rewarding career opportunities which led to me even winning an Emmy award! I feel very fortunate to have met so many great people working here that come from all over the world and continue to do so. If I told my first-year college self that this is where I would end up years later I probably wouldn’t have believed it!

Please tell us about your art.
Since LA is one of the main hubs for the animation industry it provides lots of opportunities as a freelance artist!

During the day I do character design and visual development for the animation industry. Anywhere from TV animation, commercial work to feature animation. I have worked with companies such as Netflix, DreamWorks, Illumination, Warner Brothers, Disney TV, and others! Working in the animation industry is definitely a rewarding experience as it is such a collaborative effort among so many other great artists – who all share the same passions.

I also work in the children’s book publishing world which has become more and more a passion of mine. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to illustrate some Step into Reading books with RandomHouse and most recently I illustrated a four-book chapter book series with HarperCollins titled Mr. Dog. There is something very full-filling about seeing your art printed in the real world and then seeing kids engage with it. I must say when I see kids reading and interacting with books and projects I am part of it is one of the most rewarding feelings!

I tend to think my art is unique and has a specific voice, which is whimsical, charming but also comical. I hope that’s what people feel and take away from seeing my artwork. It is very important as a freelance artist to have a specific voice, not only does it set you apart but companies will hire you for what you do best.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
Thanks to the internet having the ability to get your work seen from anywhere is huge and very beneficial to an artist in today’s world. Having the opportunity to work remotely on a project, one that might not even be in your own country, is something that wasn’t nearly as convenient 10 -15 years ago. Now thanks to the internet it is much easier to be connected with other fellow creatives and make things happen wherever you may be!

That being said, because of the internet I also think that we’re constantly seeing the artwork being posted and that can be both inspiring and overwhelming at times. Since every artist uses social media and websites to showcase their work I think it is very easy to feel like your work gets lost in all the noise. I believe the challenge for the artist today is how to develop a unique visual aesthetic and voice and in doing so standing out and finding their specific audience.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Most of my personal work gets published on my Instagram and Twitter. So if people enjoy my work you can be sure to find it all there! I do also have an online print shop if people are looking to purchase art prints of mine. I love taking part in galleries as well! Most recently I took part in the Mattel Art Exhibition at Gallery 1988 In LA. I will also be apart of an upcoming gallery called SALUT! four at Gallery Nucleus Portland from November 8th- December 4th.

Lastly, If people would like to support and follow more of my work I have a Patreon page. Anyone can feel free to support me there and also get some perks and rewards by doing so!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nikolas-ilic.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikolas.ilic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtofNikolasIlic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikolas_ilic
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/nikolasilic

Image Credit:
Nikolas Ilic

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