Nicki has gained a strong following over the years through her online classes, live workshops and social media connecting with people wanting to channel their inner artist too. Currently, her greatest passions lie in painting and creating more, alongside teaching others how to follow their own creative passions so they can also start living a life THEY design. “When we are uplifted, we can uplift others.

THE JOURNEY TO THE LIFE SHE DESIGNED

“We are truly happiest when we are doing something tactile, with our hands and get a charge of energy when we see paint or ink on paper come to life.” Born an artist, Nicki didn’t feel that art was something that she could ‘do’ for a living. Going along with the status quo, Nicki entered university, uninspired by her studies and left a year after. She followed her heart and enrolled in an art course at a local college learning everything from sculpting to painting, to developing her own photography in a dark room – she was finally home.

“If it’s in your blood, you have to just go for it.” Nicki took a huge leap of faith, took a variety of online courses, built a rough plan and decided to dive right in. Unsure of whether she would succeed, there was a deep desire to follow her dream of creating art that inspires people. The creative journey is one that Nicki does not regret taking and one that is continuously evolving for her. “Don’t worry about perfection. Creating something you don’t like can be rewarding. Mistakes are how we grow and repeating the process again will help us get better. Trying something new while challenging yourself can lead to exploring new possibilities and experiences.”

“When we are creating, we are truly connected to our self.” You can currently work with Nicki by enrolling in one of her many creative classes, collaborate or commission her to create a piece of custom artwork and she is also open to licensing opportunities. You can enjoy free content over at YouTube and finally, you can message her directly at nicki@lifeidesign.com to start a conversation about your needs.

MEET NICKI

Nicki Traikos is an artist, author and online instructor who is passionate about sharing her love for making with fellow artists and creatives. Nicki founded Life I Design in 2012 and had one goal in mind, that was to pursue her passion for art and making while carving out a sustainable business at the same time. Nicki’s passions are her family, creating works that inspire, and guiding people to find their own inner artist. “Passion isn’t something you can explain, it’s what you feel when you’re happiest.” Nicki lives by this and translates this into the art she creates, the books she creates and the classes she teaches.

Known for her signature watercolor, Nicki creates art that she loves and is authentic to her own personal style which includes monochromatic colour schemes, subdued floral prints, abstract pieces along with modern vintage themes - her art is continuously evolving. “Find beauty in everyday objects.” is something Nicki hopes to share with fellow creatives. Whether you are interesting in making art, or collecting a new piece of art, finding what speaks to you and is uplifting is key.

Her passion for art was put on hold for the time being as she was getting married and realities of ‘grown up life’ sunk in and not knowing how to support her adult life using art meant she went back to university, finished up her degree, entered into a great corporate job and began to focus on starting a family. An artist at the core, Nicki wanted to nurture her creativity and took make-up artistry while trying to start a family. She fell in love with the industry and the ability to create, and began a successful 12-year career as a Freelance Make-Up Artist as she used faces as her live canvases.

At the age of 40, Nicki had her ‘a-ha’ moment and realized her passion for makeup artistry was weaning. With the support of her family, Nicki took a 6-month sabbatical and went to work on creating a life SHE designed where she learned how to create her own website, set up an on-line art shop, and even ventured into learning Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Finally, in 2012, life i design was born out of the passion to live a creative life where Nicki could create and design art, make a living selling her art, and inspiring others to follow their own passion too “There's an inner need to express our creative side whether it's through; calligraphy, lettering, painting, photography, writing in our journal, food, decor or accessories. All of these things bring me joy and charge my personal energy.”