We are going to interview a talented artist, Nicholas King otherwise known as ‘Nickels’. Nicholas King is a CG Artist who has been in the creative industry for over a decade, working with some big clients and agencies, as well as personal collaborations with celebrities and internet personalities.
Let’s start this interview by asking you, when did you start getting interested in Computer Graphics?
Wow, I must’ve been around 10 years old. At this age, the internet was just emerging and my family just got our first PC. We lived overseas at the time, specifically in southeast Asia, and it was easy to get ahold of programs and applications. My father was really in to programming and creative arts, he loaded our PC with 3DStudio, which has now evolved to 3ds Max. He showed me the ropes and I was hooked. Anyways, I would always be tinkering on there. Before school, after school, in-between sessions when my brother and I tried to start a band. Just thinking about booting in to DOS and launching 3DStudio brings back a lot of nostalgia.
Tell us more about who influenced you and what inspires the art that you create.
My father was number one in influencing my to discover my art. A little bit about him, he manages hotels and hotel chains, always in a suit, and very serious from the outside. But he went to school for Film Directing, and he’s one of the most grounded and creative person I know. Anyways – he’s always pushed me in creating things. My inspirations come from two main things, the first is my technical background. I love integrating visual effects in to real life, so I’ve used all of my knowledge on how to do this with every project I tackle. The second thing would be one of the cartoons I used to watch as a child – Doraemon. It’s about this alien cat that pulls futuristic inventions out of his pocket. I always get excited to see what new invention is in each episode.
You’ve worked on a lot of commercial projects, but have been consistently updating your Instagram. Do you ever sleep?
Hahaha. Well my commercial work usually stems from my team that I manage at the studio I’m employed at. I’m Head of CG there, so we get a lot of work that needs my attention when overseeing projects. I’m still privileged, however, to get my hands dirty on those projects so I’m lucky enough to not just be a scheduler, budgeter, meeting-er, guy. After work and weekends, I try to do things productive. I used to just play video games, but I’ve shifted my focus on more of a creative outlet, thus was born my instagram page. I enjoy every second of it.
For someone starting out in the industry, what advice would you give them?
Follow your passion. If this is what you think about waking up in the morning, and if you get that warm fuzzy feeling after finishing a project, then get your foot in the door. I started out as an unpaid intern and grinded my way to the top. I wouldn’t even use the word ‘grind’ because I was so passionate about what I was doing every day, I didn’t even think about it – and I couldn’t get enough of it. Everything resonates when you do what you love, and you’ll surpass everyone’s expectations – even your own.
What websites do you visit on a constant basis?
Instagram, YouTube, Reddit. I literally cycle through those every 30 minutes.
For further information and to see his work you can visit
