Shout Out DFW

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Collie Jamison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?I started my nonprofit Gray Spaces because I wanted to help people with their graphic needs, from logos to websites and everything in-between. I choose to work with people that are beyond passionate about their projects. I am passionate about what I do so I look for kindred spirits when I collaborate. Trust is important when I work with my clients, so I take a team approach because I need them to know I believe in them. I want my clients to be excited about their experience working with me and proud of the end product that is a result of our collaboration. I don’t want a lack of resources to be an obstacle that prevents someone from receiving a professional and polished result.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.

As an artist, I strive to show others that we should all love ourselves, love each other, and live life without judgment. Identity is what my art is about. I grew up with body issues, just like many people these days, but to top it off, I had a family member tell me he was “embarrassed to be seen with me and that I was just too fat”. That encounter caused me to rebel and my rebellion was to paint nudes because I come from a very conservative and strict background. My end conclusion was, if I can stand in front of a mirror naked and like the person that I am I have won the battle of self worth and self esteem. My inspiration now for painting the female body is empowerment. As women we spend so much time trying to look better, to hide or not acknowledge our flaws, and that is sad to me. My desire for everyone, especially women, is that we can accept ourselves unconditionally flaws and all. My inspiration comes from my own journey of accepting myself. That is why the images I paint have a celestial and ethereal feel to them because they are a representation of our inner selves.

How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

You know that quote from Marc Anthony “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”? I figured it out. No it was not easy. I was told that I could not make a living being an artist, but life happened. I was diagnosed with a terminal disease and I was faced with an unexpected pregnancy, I had to change my mindset. I had to make this work, I now had a son to provide for. I could not sink. I had to swim.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

Sometimes other people’s opinions are just noise that you should ignore. I only want positive energy in my life. My brand story comes from my relationship with Kimberly Barrett Luttery. She is a writer and author of children’s books. We started as a client/customer relationship in 2015 when I illustrated her first children’s book. Recognizing that Kim has such passion for these books, but that they are costly to create, I wanted to provide these services in-kind. Three books later, creating graphic collateral, websites and collaborations for other clients has turned into a wonderful partnership.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.Museums- Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Kimbell Art MuseumDown Town Fort Worth – because it is full of art

Places –Botanical gardens – Fort WorthThe Zoo – Fort WorthGlen Rose / Dinosaur Valley State Park – Besides being a very cute town it is known for its dinosaur foot prints in the river bed, and Pie Peddlers which is well known for being one of the best pie shops in the United StatesBishops Art District – Known for its diverse nightlife, chic independent boutiques and colorful street artGemelle Fort Worth- Farm to table, with cool bungalows and container pool. The rattle snake and rabbit pizza is to die for.Scat Jazz Lounge – Fort Worth – the live band is absolutely fantasticStock Yards – Forth Worth for shopping and seeing live animals – the restaurants art greatThe water park down town – Forth Worth – I absolutely love down town, the people are so friendlyDenton – A quaint town with a wonderful feel. Since it is a college town it has a pulsating entertainment culture, featuring live performing arts venues, music and film festivals, museums, and historical sites.The Train System is also really cool, it is clean and its convenient to the airport, downtown Dallas and all the surrounding areas like Grapevine, which is another great town to explore.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?First and foremost it is my husband Chris Jamison who has believed in me. His support has taken away the everyday worries about life and finances so that I can focus on building my dream of creativity and art. But then came along a total stranger from Fort Worth TX by the name of Tighe Keilberg, COO of Self Defense Fund. This man has poured into me encouragement, hope, enlightenment and monetary support. He is an advocate for my hopes and dreams of design and art. Once a total stranger, Tighe has become a very dear friend!

Website: https://www.nicolecollie.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_collie_art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolecollie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolecollieartist