Meet Nadine Anderson Cheng | Graphic Designer, Marketing Specialist & Fine Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nadine Anderson Cheng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nadine, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Chasing the dream, with ever shifting goals, there was no balance only 14-hr work days and no life. Then about 10 years ago I finally felt the need to have a bit of time for myself and joined a few social groups—biking, dancing, traveling…it felt good, there was now balance. But then 4 years later I wanted more, more of life and living—I packed up my bags, gave away most of what I had, rented my home and moved to Europe to live modestly and happily with more life than work, and it was fantastic. I feel we work, so that we can consume more and spend less time enjoying the option of a simpler way of living.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

As a Jamaican figurative artist living between Florida and Düsseldorf, Germany, My background includes a Master’s degree in Graphic/Environmental Design, as well as an Honors BA with extensive training in various artistic disciplines such as painting, textiles, jewelry, and sculpture.

I feel my initial path was easy—fresh out of college I started working at an advertising agency and then branched out on my own. I was an entrepreneur from an early age—reselling Girl Guide cookies [lol], but this was the big league—it was competitive getting clients, but my success eventually came from offering thorough research for my clients brands and I practiced ‘disruptive’ marketing, which at the time we called it ‘guerilla’ marketing—also my studio was involved in using fine art/illustration, while other studios relied heavily on photography.

I painted to relax and then showed a few galleries my work and suddenly I was having sold out shows and reproductions of my work were being sold worldwide. When I moved from Jamaica to the United States, while I continued to succeed in the design world, I realized with my fine art I had to reinvent myself—the new demographics now craved something different and I took the opportunity to evolve adding sculptural relief artworks to my portfolio, it was no longer about decorative pieces, but more about responding to what I saw in my daily life. I have tried to develop a unique style that explores the complexities of human identity and our place in modern society. I also got involved in Tv, event managing Heidi Klum’s ‘Project Runway’, and casting for Starz ‘Magic City’ tv series. I love doing anything creative and like to challenge myself with something new.

I also worked with various charity events, donating time and art including Mayor Matti Bower’s empowering Women’s Conference, Jane Fonda and Ikea’s annual celebrity clock design for GCAPP..etc.

Moving temporarily to Germany my paintings also evolved into more linear shapes, and with a grant from the Germany Cultural office I began to work on installations. Proudly I curated a 3-city (Köln, Basel, London) touring exhibition and in 2023 became one of five board members of the BBK which is one of the largest art association in Germany…yes…there were times my faulty German got me in trouble…lol. But with the position I was actively involved in the art community—organizing/curating multiple exhibitions and creating community projects and helping other artists to achieve their goals.

My most challenging time is now, where though I work with enhancing Ai systems and images,…I fear I may fall victim to actually outsourcing myself…that said, I continue to believe human creativity will prevail.

I feel my story is about being open, taking ‘risks’, not worrying about what the world thinks, and the humility to learn and evolve, always ensuring that I’m somehow giving back to the greater good of humanity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Food: Cachito Coffee and Bakery, Miami Beach – breakfast
Sabor A Peru En Miami Peruvian restaurant, Biscayne Blvd. -dinner
The Taco Stand, Wynwood best quesadillas – lunch
Paquitos Mexican Restaurant, Biscayne Blvd. for karaoke and latin dancing

Activities:
Morning sunrise Biking Grassy Key where the trail has mangroves
Smorgasburg Miami food vendors Sat/Sun
See the De La Cruz Collection, in the Design District
An evening ride on the Water Taxi from Bayside to Las Olas
Skye Rooftop Aventura

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?
My family. All that I am would not be possible without them—their support and love has no boundaries. My core group of friends are priceless—just wonderful people that keep me sane and stimulated with thought provoking conversations.

Website: www.nadineandersoncheng.com

Instagram: gallery nadine_creates

Other: www.behance.net/nadineanderson – graphic design IG: humanitytheExhibition

Image Credits
Profile pic: Jean-Paul Builes – www.jeanpaulbuiles.com