Design Federation speaks to Adam Nickel, the masterful Illustrator behind Kilowatt Kat.

Do you find living near the beach akin to being in heaven?

I would like to think my life is full of tiki torches, mai tais and is set to the music of Santo and Johnny. But in reality Im actually surrounded by rust and salt residue on every surface and is set to the music of the neighbor try to learn guitar. But having said that, yes its nice to hear waves crash whilst falling asleep in bed at night.

Where did you learn your craft?

As far as art goes, I’ve just always been creative. It doesn’t come from either of my parents thats for darn sure. I went to school for graphic design and also animation, so that helped too. But I feel like most of my learning has just come from observing stuff around me.

What is your artistic medium of choice? pc or mac?

I have been using an apple computer since they were a beige box. Im not a fan of PCs at all. I use a Wacom drawing tablet in Photoshop and also Illustrator.

What is it about the 40s-60s that tugs at your heart strings so much?

I think it reminds me of being a care free kid, although I was born in 1979 some of my best memories are from being spoilt at my grandparents house. Their place looked like time had stood still since the 50s. So I would see a lot of 50s illustration in books they had and Im pretty sure all of their christmas decorations had been around since the 50s.

In the age of “bigger is better” your style is very stripped back and focuses on the image and colors, tell us a little about the creative process behind your works?

I try to just keep things as simple as possible, try to not have too many details. I think this makes for a punchier illustration. This is important in editorial illustration, the ability to get a complex concept across with a simple visual. This is what I love about illustration, I think its easier to create great artwork when you come to a blank canvas and can do anything you want. But to have to work within certain bounds, as you often have to with illustration, and to be able flourish within those bounds is truly satisfying to me. But along with that comes always wondering if the art director is truly happy with finished art.

Whose work do you relate to most? Who inspires you?

I wouldn’t say that there is anyones work I really relate to, although there are many illustrators out there whose work I really admire. Most of my inspiration comes from watching animation from the 30′s and 40′s. I also have books with a lot of mid century illustration that I am often looking through. Im always noticing complementing colors and sort of making mental notes. I feel like color is very important to my work so I try to remember combinations that would work well for my style.

What sort of clients come to you for design work/illustration?

Most of the work I have done has been for editorial projects. I would love to be able to have more variety in my work such as packaging, album artwork or even wrapping paper. I have lots of ideas for these types projects but haven’t had a chance to work on stuff like this. So hopefully I will get to work on more stuff like this in the future.

Because every man and his dog makes his own T-shirts (yes I am also guilty) has the Kat ever thought about joining the fabric felons and getting your own T-shirts?

I’ve thought about it but never looked into it. I have a few 40′s style vintage hawaiian shirts, and would love to have a chance to create a patterned fabric for a shirt like that.

A great day at work consists of”…?

well a great day lately has been starting with fruit loops, I’m sick of all the healthy cereal. Starting on a project Im excited about, and making good progress. Not spending 3 hours trying to get a hand to look right. Getting something in the letterbox from eBay. Something that actually comes out of the oven for lunch. An afternoon bicycle ride to the beach with my wife, and finishes with mexican for dinner.

What are some websites you like to visit?

I actually don’t visit illustration or design website very much, I visit the HAMB and the Jockey Journal daily, and spend way to much time looking through ebay.

Related Links

Kilowatt Kat