Good Morning and Welcome to Artist to Artist.

Today we have with us Nikki Cutro from New Jersey.

Aloramyst: In your opinion what is art?

Nikki: Art can be anything. It could be visual or audible. I consider music and the sounds found in nature a very big part of art. It inspires me and times it is incorporated into my work. Art is anything that makes you feel, whether it is happy or sad or at peace with your surroundings, it is also the ability to communicate your feelings with others.

Aloramyst: Who or what first introduced you to creating art?

Nikki: My grandmother and parents were always encouraging me to be creative. My grandmother would always teach me different crafts and my parents always had a steady stream of art supplies ready for me. Since all of them are gone now I paint to feel closer to them and it gives me sanity.

Aloramyst: Why did you choose to create in this choice of medium?

Nikki: I chose watercolors for their freedom, vibrant colors and to be honest lack of smell. They also tend to be a little less costly (but not by much) They are also not easy to master and one mistake can break a painting, I like a challenge and watercolors keeps me on my toes. Originally I was a photographer that liked to paint and slowly over the past two years I became a painter that takes photographs. They kind of go hand in hand.

Aloramyst: What software programs have you experimented with? And which is your favorite?

Nikki: Let’s see there is PhotoShop, Paint Shop Pro, Illustrator, InDesign, and Corel. I am sure I am missing one or two but I am very fond of PhotoShop even if my copy is very old.

Aloramyst: What inspires and motivates you to create?

Nikki: Music and nature are my top two, both of them inspire my more serious paintings. The silly antics of my cats, bird and rats are another, they usually inspire my illustrations.

Aloramyst: Who is your favourite artist? What is it about their work that you love?

Nikki: That is tough, I guess I have three. Salvador Dali is one and I had a chance to see his work up close (albeit in a museum) I like his lesser known works, not the melting clock paintings but the more futuristic, prophetic paintings. He was such a larger than life character. George Groz is another painter I admire, He was always showing the dark underbelly of society and then there is Otto Dix, his work shows the horrors he had to live through for his time. They are all so very moving and thought provoking.

Aloramyst: Have you set any goals for yourself as an artist? If so, what are you working towards achieving?

Nikki: I don’t think I will ever fully achieve what I set out to do because goals are always growing and changing. Even though I have been an artist all of my life it is only now that I have taken it this far. I am still trying to get my name out there and be seen. My biggest goal if I were to set one is to stay focused. Being an artist I tend to get easily side-tracked.

Aloramyst: Do you create art in other mediums?

Nikki: I do and it is a very broad list. Photography is a given and I like to make small scrapbooks for my nieces. I have painted furniture and murals for friends and family. My father liked to make things out of wood and I would always help, that kind of stayed with me. There is also paper mache, pressed flowers, sewing, you name it, if it is there it can be turned into something else even if it is a simple as a bit of string.

Aloramyst: Is your artwork for sale? Where can people see or purchase your artwork?

Nikki: Currently my work is available under 13 Black Cats Designs and can be found on Zazzle, CafePress, RedBubble, ImageKind, and Greeting Card Universe. My main website that connects it all together and where you can find links to all my stores is www.13BlackCatsDesigns.com

Aloramyst: What are your recommendations and/or advice to other artists?

Nikki: Network, Network and Network - oh and hone your skills. Get to know other artists, brainstorm with them, share links on your websites and toss around ideas. Yes it is time consuming but it is necessary and at times can be very fun. I have made quite a few online artist friends.

Aloramyst: Is there anything about being an artist that you would like to know more about?

Nikki: I guess it would be the same as most artists, how to be better on the business side. Art and business do not normally go hand in hand.

Aloramyst: Which promotional tools have been the most effective for you?

Nikki: Talking and networking with other artists both online and in person, sharing links with them on my website. Also as hard as it is, I run a blog telling stories of my pieces or announcing new designs. www.blogspot.com/13BlcakCatsDesigns I still have a lot to learn in this area.

I want to take a second to thank Aloramyst and anyone who reads this article for taking the time to get to know me. It has been a pleasure letting you into my little world!

Aloramyst: Nikki, I really enjoy your work and love the black cat designs! Animal lover here especially cats! I wish you much success in the future! Its been a pleasure getting to know you better!