embrace things he never would have encountered. Recognizing the huge burden of expenses, he explained that he was supported by scholarships and aid and highly recommended art school for anyone who can attend. After college, Kole took a full-time job with 38 Studios, a small gaming company, where he experienced behind the scenes what it took to run a company. Although the gaming studio fell through, Kole saw this as “blessing in disguise”; he was able to work for a larger company and observe how it was managed. Kole has brought those insights and the knowledge he gained at 38 Studios to his current freelance career. Kole compared the company’s demise to the way a dandelion disintegrates. Although his job fell through, he has been able to build on his close coworker relationships in his career networking. To promote himself, he utilizes the Internet: Through Instagram, Behance, and other accounts, he is able to build relationships with possible employers and with fans who praise and promote him. He attends conventions and festivals where artists gather; he prints out portfolio pieces that he can share, sell, and autograph (since he is still a fan boy at heart).
Through his networking and his dedication to his craft, Kole has had the opportunity to work with large companies: Disney, EA, Mattel, and Hasbro. Devoting time to his portfolio, to his personal practice, and to personal projects like Jellybots, Kole has made his childhood dreams come true before the age of thirty. “It is still exciting being recognized by Disney!” Kole exclaimed when asked about dream companies he would want to work with. Nicholas Kole has been able to set himself apart not only by his art, but also through his passion for creative work. Although some may discern a distinctive artistic style, it was hard for him to pinpoint that style. After much thought, he selected three words to describe it: “Colorful afternoon adventure.” Understanding movement and structure while utilizing vibrant colors and expressions, Kole is able to bring characters and worlds to life. Art has always been about capturing a singular moment while also telling its story. Whether through an expressive impressionistic painting, a three-dimensional figure, or a digital rendition of a fantastical world, artists have been recording life, moment by moment. Nicholas Kole is one of those artists who will someday be a household name. By Emma Helstrom
Illustration by/courtesy of Nicholas Kole for Andrew Peterson
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