Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/753327
SELFIE-MADE HOLLY NICHOLS | ART @hnicholsillustration Fashion illustrator Holly Nichols attributes all of her formidable, sudden success to the forces of social media. The founder of Holly Nichols Illustration, Nichols owns a studio and online shop but also whips up social media campaigns for the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue, Disney, and Barneys New York, among others, sharing her creations all the time to her 544,000 followers. Nichols says her online popularity happened quickly, even accidentally. We say it's no surprise at all. Dual-purpose: I combined my two passions, fashion and art. My goal is for my work to allow people to enjoy fashion in a unique way. It eliminates the dressing room struggles that many women face, and lets them enjoy fashion on paper instead. Growing a business: My business developed by accident. My account started as a way to document my portfolio. Soon I was being asked by the public about where they could purchase my work, and getting inquiries from brands on how they could work with me. Soon after, I quit my day job. I can happily say I'm living my dream of being a full-time professional artist! The look: My social feed is very clean and consistent. I try to photograph everything in bright, filter-free, natural light so that the viewer can clearly see my artwork in its true colors. I want them to feel like they're at my desk sketching with me. Going viral: There's a lot of thought behind each post. I figured out the best way to leverage the right hashtag, content, posting schedule, and who to follow—that's important, too. You certainly have to be disciplined about it. Visibility: I get almost all of my opportunities through social media. Even less than 10 years ago, artists had to work for years to get their work noticed. Now, it can happen as soon as you hit share. Most memorable moment: Without a doubt, it was going to New York Fashion Week with TRESemmé and being able to sketch looks from the actual runway instead of from behind my desk. It was an absolute dream. Best comment: "Wow, her legs are long." Favorite refuge: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (gardnermuseum.org). I always notice something I missed [previously] every time I visit. Plus, the gardens are simply an artist's dream. Also, Blick Art Materials (dickblick.com) for my pens. It's my candy store! For more on Holly Nichols's best of Boston, go to bostoncommon-magazine.com. 86 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY ©LISA RICHOV (HAND SKETCHING); COURTESY OF @HNICHOLSILLUSTRATION (REMAINING IMAGES). OPPOSITE PAGE: JOHN LEE (ICON NIGHTCLUB); CHORALE MILES (TUNNEL NIGHTCLUB); COURTESY OF @BREK.ONE (MOSS)