Meet Kelly Nichols of Kidnichols: From Agency Life to Creative Freedom
YourStuffMade Community Feature · Philadelphia Illustrator & Designer
Kelly Nichols is the illustrator behind Kidnichols, a colorful brand where thoughtful illustration, graphic design and joyful storytelling come together.
After years in creative agencies, Kelly built her personal brand on evenings and weekends before confidently making the leap into full-time freelance illustration.
About Kidnichols
Kidnichols blends illustration, storytelling and intentional design into products that feel joyful, approachable and full of personality.
Kelly combines her background in graphic design with expressive illustration to create artwork that is both polished and playful.
Creative Process
Adobe Illustrator
Her primary illustration tool.
Photoshop
Used for painting, editing and refinement.
InDesign
Supports layouts and print projects.
Drawing Tablet
Transforms ideas into polished illustrations.
Design Style
Kelly's work balances bold colour, expressive shapes and whimsical illustration with the structure of professional graphic design.
- Colorful and expressive
- Thoughtful and character-driven
- Clean, polished compositions
- Playful storytelling
Products
Kidnichols creates art prints, digital downloads, custom illustration, stickers, stationery and lifestyle merchandise for both personal collectors and commercial clients.
Kelly's Story
Kelly discovered digital art in high school before studying design at Winona State University. After graduation she spent years working in agencies while steadily growing her own illustration business.
In 2021 she transitioned into full-time freelance illustration, turning Kidnichols into her primary creative career.
Milestones
- Transitioning to full-time freelance illustration.
- Growing a successful Etsy shop.
- Building a loyal community of collectors and clients.
- Creating a sustainable creative career through Kidnichols.
Challenges & Growth
Balancing agency work with a growing personal brand demanded discipline and consistency. Kelly kept showing up for her own projects until she was ready to make the leap into freelancing.
Future Plans
- Expand Kidnichols into new product categories.
- Collaborate with more brands and clients.
- Continue evolving her illustration style.
- Build a joyful, sustainable creative business.
Advice for Makers
Make time for personal projects that bring you joy, and show up consistently. Tenacity often outdoes talent, so keep going even when progress feels slow.
Turning Illustration into Custom Merchandise
Kelly's colorful artwork is ideal for enamel pins, stickers, stationery, notebooks, acrylic charms, apparel, prints and lifestyle products.
Connect with Kelly
Shop Kelly's work through her Etsy store and follow along for new illustrations, behind-the-scenes content and product launches.
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