Meet Nikki Gal: Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki Gal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
What do you think of when you hear the word, risk? Does it scare you or empower you? Does it give you goosebumps or make your heart race? You’re probably thinking the word “risk” can only make you feel one emotion over the other, but in my life I have felt both fear and empowerment when I hear the word risk. Risks are always going to be present no matter what the circumstances are in your life, and even in your career life. As an artist, risk taking plays a huge inevitable role in my everyday life. When I first started as an artist, I was scared. I didn’t know what was going to come my way, what opportunities would surface, or even how to run a professional company. I had a lot of doubts. I would think to myself, “Where do I even start?” “Is this the right career path for me?” “Am I talented enough in my own craft?” “Will I even get work/commissions?” “Who will see my art?” Wing it. That’s what I did. I winged it. Some people would say hold off, you’re not ready. Or, take some time off and maybe you’ll think about it differently. Despite all my doubts, I took a look at the big picture. I thought to myself, I have a shot just like everyone else. I might have a different style, a different outlook, a different frame of mind, but I AM CAPABLE. I AM DRIVEN. I AM MOTIVATED. I AM DETERMINED. I CAN DO THIS. I took a powerful risk, a risk of doing what I’ve always wanted to do, which is pursuing an art career. I chose to put those fears aside, and looked into my light. As an artist, my life is full of risks, my career path is a risk within itself. Trust me, it is not perfect. Unfortunately, not every artist’s work is seen, acknowledged, or found. It is common for an artist’s hard work to be unseen, uncredited, and disregarded. But even if you do happen to be unseen, uncredited, or disregarded, you CAN NOT stop. You have to keep going no matter what. My art is a huge part of me, and it always will be. It has been a lifelong passion of mine, I can’t stop. And I won’t stop. Many people would say, “Isn’t being an artist too risky of a career since you’re making a living off commissions?” For some people, yes, being a freelance artist can be viewed as risky. But in my opinion, I don’t think it’s risky at all. If you have the drive, the motivation, the patience, the effort; you can accomplish anything. Don’t sell yourself short, if things are meant to fall into place they will. But remember, don’t get in your head. Don’t doubt yourself. Think big, and WING IT IF IT FEELS RIGHT. My wing it moment was a big risk to take, but I can say it did pay off for me. I have reached opportunities that I never thought would come my way. I have worked with thousands of clients these past two years that I am beyond grateful for. My artwork has been featured in media/programs, some that I didn’t even think were possible. Don’t be afraid to wing your journey. Take that risk, your own risk. Everyone’s journey is different, don’t beat yourself up. When it’s the right time, you’ll know it. Don’t be afraid soar and look straight ahead. Opportunities are waiting patiently for you, so go for it.

“If you push through that feeling of being scared, that feeling of taking risk. Really amazing things can happen.” – Marissa Mayer

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
See Thru Nikki focuses on spreading creativity, individuality, and positivity. We specialize in custom design work, custom logo work, and custom animation work. Here, it is all about the client’s vision and what they want. Whether you consider yourself a creative person or not, we are here to help YOUR imagination run wild! See Thru Nikki encourages individuals to not be afraid to express themselves in a creative way. To be aware of their own creative light and unique-self expression. As an artist, I am here to help achieve your own creative vision and make it come to life! It is the best feeling in the world to have people admire, appreciate, and share love for your art. In the beginning of my career, I had no idea my art would ever be marketable or appealing to the eye. I had such low expectations. My clients however gave me a huge amount of hope and confidence throughout this journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them. See Thru Nikki practices originality. Every piece is different, and no piece is ever the same. Whether it takes 2 hours or 2 days, knowing that I am creating someone’s unique vision is always an amazing feeling, Being able to inspire so many people makes me really proud of what I do. Running your own company can be overwhelming, difficult, and stressful at times. But that is okay. I am always up for a challenge. Sometimes I am up at all hours of the night working on projects/commissions. I don’t mind it at all though, it is part of my job. It is so rewarding at the end of the day to know that your hard work and effort is helping someone else achieve their creative vision. This past year, I have a learned so much about myself and my company. I have learned to value my own self and my skills. To never give up and keep going even if things do go as planned. To reach for the stars, think outside the box. To stay connected with my clients/supporters, they help me get through it all. It is only the beginning, See Thru Nikki’s main and only mission is to inspire others to never limit themselves, and always fight for their creative passion. Vision is HEARD!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m from Boston, Massachusetts. The weather in New England is, yes…. very cold. But don’t let the northeast weather intimidate you! New England is a very beautiful, crisp, and quiet place. Perfect place to get away from a stressful week in your hometown. Boston is a beautiful and courageous city. My personal favorite spot in Boston is Newbury Street. it is one of the earliest roads established in Boston. Whether you’re capturing the unique townhouses hug the streets as you walk on by, or quickly grabbing coffee with a friend on your way to work, Newbury Street can be enjoyed in any situation. Newbury Street is known for its countless shopping destinations. Anything from small businesses to top designers, you can find it all there. And of course, so many restaurants to choose from as well. My personal favorite Newbury Street restaurant is Dirty Water Dough Company. Cozy and relaxing atmosphere, and everything is made by scratch. I would highly recommend stopping by Boston if you haven’t already, it’s a real, raw, and a historically beautiful city. 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?
I want to dedicate this shout out to my mother. She is an entrepreneur herself, and I have learned so much from her over the years. To never give up, think outside the box, and to always carry yourself with determination. Growing up, my mother launched a small e-commerce business. When I saw her achieving her dreams and pursuing her passion, it made me feel motivated. I can do the same, I thought. And here I am, 12 years later, achieving my dreams and pursuing my passion. Shoutout to Regal Beagle Bakery, my mother’s company. I want to also say a huge thank you to my mother, who has taught me that late nights of hard work and endless energy pays off.

Instagram: @seethrunikki
Facebook: See Thru Nikki

Image Credits
What do you think of when you hear the word, risk? Does it scare you or empower you? Does it give you goosebumps or make your heart race? You’re probably thinking the word “risk” can only make you feel one emotion over the other, but in my life I have felt both fear and empowerment when I hear the word risk. Risks are always going to be present no matter what the circumstances are in your life, and even in your career life. As an artist, risk taking plays a huge inevitable role in my everyday life. When I first started as an artist, I was scared. I didn’t know what was going to come my way, what opportunities would surface, or even how to run a professional company. I had a lot of doubts. I would think to myself, “Where do I even start?” “Is this the right career path for me?” “Am I talented enough in my own craft?” “Will I even get work/commissions?” “Who will see my art?” Wing it. That’s what I did. I winged it. Some people would say hold off, you’re not ready. Or, take some time off and maybe you’ll think about it differently. Despite all my doubts, I took a look at the big picture. I thought to myself, I have a shot just like everyone else. I might have a different style, a different outlook, a different frame of mind, but I AM CAPABLE. I AM DRIVEN. I AM MOTIVATED. I AM DETERMINED. I CAN DO THIS. I took a powerful risk, a risk of doing what I’ve always wanted to do, which is pursuing an art career. I chose to put those fears aside, and took a look into my light. As an artist, my life is full of risks, my career path is a risk within itself. Trust me, it is not perfect. Unfortunately, not every artist’s work is seen, acknowledged, or found. It is common for an artist’s hard work to be unseen, uncredited, and disregarded. But even if you do happen to be unseen, uncredited, or disregarded, you CAN NOT stop. You have to keep going no matter what. My art is a huge part of me, and it always will be. It has been a lifelong passion of mine, I can’t stop. And I won’t stop. Many people would say, “Being an artist isn’t a real job, isn’t it too risky since you’re making a living off commissions?” For some people, yes, being a freelance artist is risky. But in my opinion, I don’t think it’s risky at all. If you have the drive, the motivation, the patience, the effort; you can accomplish anything. Don’t sell yourself short, if things are meant to fall into place they will. But remember, don’t get in your head. Don’t doubt yourself. Think big, and WING IT IF IT FEELS RIGHT. My wing it moment was a big risk to take, but I can say it did pay off for me. I have reached opportunities that I never thought would come my way. I have worked with thousands of clients these past two years that I am beyond grateful for. My artwork has been featured in media/programs, some that I didn’t even think were possible. Don’t be afraid to wing your journey. Take that risk, your own risk. Everyone’s journey is different, don’t beat yourself up. When it’s the right time, you’ll know it. Don’t be afraid soar and look straight ahead. Opportunities are waiting patiently for you, so go for it. “If you push through that feeling of being scared, that feeling of taking risk. Really amazing things can happen.” – Marissa Mayer