I recently caught up with Nicholas and got to explore his studio space and work, along with cute Linus (he makes a couple guest appearances below). Nick is the kind of guy who always makes you feel comfortable, welcomed and relaxed. His positive energy and great smile are two of many many qualities.

Ive known Nick for a couple years now and I’ve been fortunate to see his personal and creative growth. It was especially his recent work that caught my attention. (You can see more of it on his instagram profile.) We talked about his process, his future endeavors, Whataburger & more. Check out the following Q&A along with a couple of still images I captured during our meet-up.

Also, don’t forget to check out more of his work on his portfolio site.

Thank you for reading & enjoy!

Full Name?

Nicholas David Tarin

From/Current Location:

El Paso, Texas

Occupation:

I work at a family owned and operated business, One Stop Print Shop. My father has been a printer by occupation for his entire career. I picked up the business when I was 19 and I’ve been helping since. I’m mostly managing the software end of the business, but its not rare for me to be a delivery driver, purchasing agent, janitor, and graphic designer all in a single day.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical week day means going to work Monday through Friday, but work doesn’t really seem like work to me. In that sense, I enjoy what I do and it gives me purpose and drive.

What do you do to keep sane?

On my off hours I walk my dog, hang out with friends.. You know, look for the fun things to do in and out-of-town. On the weekends, I do whatever! Sleep in, binge party.. It’s at the flip of a coin.

Are you satisfied creatively? If so, why or why not?

I am not satisfied creatively and I hope I’m never satisfied. For a long while I did nothing creatively and maybe it was laziness, maybe I was soaking in the experience for a right time to act, maybe it was a bit of both. For whatever reasons, I feel mature. I feel ready now. I have resources and skills that I’ve acquired through the years and it hasn’t settled till recently that I can take myself to larger heights.

 

What are you working on lately that excites you?

I’m currently working on myself as an artist. The details are endless and I’m all about the details.

Anything you are looking to pursue in the future?

I’m wanting to work with 3D printing and projection mapping.

Life Motto?

Be good to the people around you, to your family, strangers, to yourself. Being good is sometimes the harder thing to do because you get no gain, no recognition and sometimes you get stepped on but you have integrity within yourself and that feels best of all.

 

Who are your biggest influences?

Biggest influences would have to be family and friends. I’d have to place my parents at the height of that totem. My mom and dad have defined the ideal definition of what family means to me and they really poured on the love thick.. Maybe it shows.

Currently listening to?

I’ve had Benoit & Sergio on high rotation this entire year. Their music is like a mantra to me, a groovy sexy mantra.

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

Somewhere not in North America.

 

Last favorite movie you watched, and why?

The Wolf of Wallstreet. It was raw and it idealized crime and money and power.. All recipes for a good movie. Did I mention it was inspired by actual events?

Last favorite meal you ate, and why?

I had Jason’s Deli last night. I had the salad bar and I loaded up on veggies and greens like whoa. I try to make conscience efforts to put good food in my body. Oh, I had the free ice cream too.

Advice to 16 year old you?

I’d tell myself that I am my own best friend, so do things that make myself happy and don’t question why.