Meet Angie Nordstrum

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Nordstrum.

Hi Angie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am a multi-passionate artist and maker based out of Erie, Colorado.

I’ve been an artist all my life. I gravitated toward every single art and craft class I could find growing up. I took drawing classes, ceramics, jewelry making, and painting. My mom and grandma taught me to sew. I entered projects at the Iowa State Fair. I made almost all of my clothes in high school. I would go to the fabric store after school, pick out a pattern and fabric and go home and sew all night. I wanted fun, creative clothes, so I figured out how to make my own. I made all my prom dresses.

That led me to college where I earned a degree in Apparel Design. I traveled to England and studied millinery and footwear at the London College of Fashion. After college, I worked as a furniture painter until the mountains called me to Colorado. I was able to put my college degree to work in apparel design for a local sportswear company. I also learned graphic design, surface design, and screen printing.

For several years, I worked as a graphic designer and store artist for a large grocery chain. I had the opportunity to make huge product displays and fun “Anthropologie” style decor. I struck out on my own in 2016 and officially launched Angie Nordstrum Design. I took on a wide scope of creative projects to get my business going. It was a lot of hard work, but well worth the effort. Being able to create and make things all day is my dream job.

Today, my art business is a wonderful combination of painting murals, windows, and canvases. I also do a lot of digital work and graphic design. I really enjoy toggling between hands-on painting projects and digital design work. I create decor for several restaurants.

I recently completed decor design, production, and installation for eight restaurants around the country. I’m currently teaching a mural workshop and I’m really enjoying working with high school students. I’m also traveling and working on some exciting international projects.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles I faced as an artist was how to find creative work after college. This was in the late 1990s pre-internet and social media. I had a degree in Apparel Design and I wanted to use it. I mailed out a ton of resumes, made cold calls, networked, and schlepped my portfolio all around. Finding creative jobs took a great deal of effort and research.

Today it’s much easier to show your work and explore creative opportunities through social media. I think this is such an exciting time to be an artist. With social media, there are so many opportunities for artists to share and sell their work.

The other struggle I would like to mention is: How to find the balance between creating the art and the business of marketing and selling the work. I don’t think people realize how much time needs to be spent on the “business” of your art. I spend a lot of time making proposals, meeting clients, managing projects, ordering supplies, sending emails, creating social media posts, and planning workshops. That’s all before I start making the art!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint vibrant, colorful murals and canvases. I’m known for my use of bold colors. I paint a lot of florals and graffiti-style paintings with positive messages. I also specialize in typography and hand lettering on walls and windows. I create decor for several restaurant groups.

I’m most proud when I know I’ve created something beautiful. It’s pretty rewarding to see the delight of viewers when they see my murals and public art. My broad scope of creative experience and attention to detail sets me apart from others.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love strolling through the flower gardens at the Denver Botanic Gardens. I find endless inspiration there! I also love the exhibits at the Denver Art Museum and the concerts at Red Rocks. And I’m so thrilled to see the support of public art throughout the city.

Pricing:

• Small paintings under $100
• Large paintings $475+
• Murals $3000+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.angienordstrum.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angienordstrumdesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angienordstrumdesign/