Illustrator Nikkolas Smith on Being an ARTivist and Going Viral

10/27/21 • 27 min

1 Listener

Illustrator, author, and ARTivist Nikkolas Smith creates thoughtful images that spark much-needed conversations around issues of social justice. From Michelle Obama to Janet Jackson, his work has been recognized by some of the most well-known names on the planet. You may have seen his heartfelt portrait of George Floyd in the media after Floyd's murder by police in mid-2020, or his illustration of Martin Luther King Jr. in a hoodie to express solidarity shortly after the killing of Trayvon Martin.

This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we dive into Nikkolas Smith’s creative process and how through his ARTivism, he hopes to make a difference and advocate for the voiceless. The impact theme of season two is strong in this episode as Nikkolas discusses using his art to make the future a brighter place for his son.

This episode is brought to you by Walter Foster Publishing. Enter their Win a Book Deal contest for the chance to work with this premiere art and craft publisher.

Follow Nikkolas Smith's work on his website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Order your copy of 1619 Project: Born on the Water

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Nikkolas Smith's work and the projects we discuss:

Heartfelt Tributes to Chadwick Boseman Show What 'Black Panther' Means to Black Kids

Artists Are Paying Tribute to the Death of George Floyd Through Moving Illustrations

Illustrator Uses Art to Give a Voice to the Black Lives Matter Movement [Interview]

This episode is brought to you by Walter Foster Publishing. Enter their Win a Book Deal contest for the chance to work with this premiere art and craft publisher.

Follow Nikkolas Smith's work on his website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Order your copy of 1619 Project: Born on the Water

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Nikkolas Smith's work and the projects we discuss:

Heartfelt Tributes to Chadwick Boseman Show What 'Black Panther' Means to Black Kids

Artists Are Paying Tribute to the Death of George Floyd Through Moving Illustrations

Illustrator Uses Art to Give a Voice to the Black Lives Matter Movement [Interview]

Previous Episode

Architect Dorte Mandrup on Irreplaceable Places and Designing With Landscape

Architect Dorte Mandrup designs stunning structures that integrate seamlessly into their environment. Her self-described “irreplaceable places” are exactly that: entirely unique designs that have found their way into some of the most breath-taking places in nature. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Dorte Mandrup about those irreplaceable places, from concept development to final designs. Dorte discusses her role as a leader in the design field, where she’s actively pursuing more gender equality in the male-dominated architecture industry, and goes on to answer your listener questions, sharing where she noticed room for improvement with younger architects. Dorte’s story demonstrates how one can succeed against overwhelming bias, and, ultimately, help create some of the most innovative and thought-provoking architecture on the planet. Follow Dorte's work on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Dorte's work and the projects we discuss:

Whale-Shaped Marine Observatory Will Offer Visitors a Fascinating Look Under the Sea

Rocky "Whale" Emerges in the Arctic Circle Blending Architecture and Environment

Architects Reveal New Images of "The Whale" Museum in Arctic Circle

Next Episode

Artist Benjamin Shine on His Unexpected Collaboration With Tulle

1 Recommendations

Textile artist Benjamin Shine uses swathes of tulle to fabricate flowing three-dimensional portraits of unnamed figures, often suggesting ideas of energy and impermanence. A true master of his material, Benjamin’s work has been recognized and exhibited globally, with his clients and collaborations including The MET, Vogue, and many others.

This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Benjamin Shine about his artistic journey, beginning with his initial resistance towards becoming a “starving artist” in fashion design, to how he then discovered and began innovating with tulle: the lightweight fabric with which he has now become so deeply entwined. Plus, Benjamin goes on to answer your listener questions, offering insight into his creative process, other materials that intrigue him, and how he tracks his many artistic ideas with a helpful system of translucent folders.

This episode is brought to you by Canvy, a service that allows you to visualize your artwork in realistic spaces. With multiple plans offered, sign up now and see if Canvy is right for you.

Follow Benjamin Shine's work on his website, Instagram, and YouTube.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Benjamin Shine's work and the projects we discuss:

Interview: Artist Makes Faces Emerge from Brilliantly Manipulated Netted Tulle Fabric

Artist Transforms Billowy Lengths of Tulle Into Meditative Faces

Elegant Figures and Faces of Dancers Emerge from Intricately Folded Sheets of Fabric