Designer Spotlight: Adam Nielsen
Location: Omaha, NE
Employment: GoodTwin Design, Owner
Website: http://www.good-twin.com/
When I think of highly motivated, multi-dimensional creative professionals, Adam Nielsen is always a name that comes to mind. Adam is a husband, father, artist, and owner of GoodTwin Design. We got an opportunity to pick his brain a bit, and we are happy to share. Enjoy the spotlight of Adam Nielsen!
What do you do to muster up the additional creativity required to do fine art after spending most your time on client work?
First off, it’s a commitment to doing it. It’s so hard to let it get swept under the rug and continue to put it off. I use art as a break from design. I think its very important to maintain a level of creativity outside of the day to day. You get so wrapped up in meeting deadlines that you sometimes compromise and rely on your bag of tricks. By stepping away from these elements you allow your brain to breathe a bit. To be honest, the creativity is pretty natural in this mode for me. It just flows because there is no pressure. Throw some music on, lock yourself in a room and just create.
What direction do you see your art/painting going now that you have experienced your own show?
When it comes to illustration I bounce around a lot when it comes to style. It’s more out of need than want. With my art I’m trying to develop a more distinct style, but I’m in a development phase with my art so there will be a lot of exploring in hopes finding my spot. I am shifting to more of a minimalistic way in order to bring a focus on the subject. I would like to develop solid style that allows me to focus more on the concept versus the technique. I think by having a style it takes a bit of the burden off you of having to try to recreate everything each time, at the same time a solid style lets you expand upon a good base for a while, until its time to reincarnate.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
From a business side, grow slow and strong. Like bamboo. Build your roots first.
From a personal side, You were given two eyes, two ears and one mouth for a reason. Shut the one and open the others. ( I don’t always apply this, but I should )
How would you describe your approach to design? How does this approach differ from your approach to fine art?
Design for me involves a problem to solve. It’s driven by a client or a need to improve something. It’s about fostering commerce and awareness. Art however does not need be driven by a problem, it doesn’t have to involve commerce. It’s a reflection of ones thoughts and ideas. I saw a quote on a blog that I think sums it up better than I can.
“Design is about solving problems. Art is about creating them”
Who do you look up to, and why?
I look up to quite a few people. I don’t want to name anyone specifically, but I look up to people who have drive and passion. I look up to people who have had to work for what they have and push forward even in the toughest times with a smile on their face. There are many people out there that have huge challenges in their life that you would never know it because they are focused and positive. It’s inspiring to meet and be around these people if even for 15 mins. I have been fortunate to meet several individuals like this and I look up to them with as much respect as I can give.
