Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayli Nicole.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Unfortunately, it took near death for me to begin living an inspired life. In April of 2012, I was hospitalized with a Pulmonary Embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs. Because these are often fatal and I was so young, nurses and hospital staff constantly reminded me how lucky I was to be alive. Taking a hard look at my own life, I knew two things with certainty: I was a miserable person, and I wasn’t living my full potential. After finding a bucket list written by 18-year-old me, I started going after some unconventional dreams. Perform stand-up comedy. Go on a game show. Backpack through Europe. Observe orangutans in the wild. Publish a book. Life became a series of adventures which shaped me into the resilient woman and artist. I am proud to be today.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a writer and a photographer, though I don’t see them as separate entities anymore. Both areas of expression are rooted in my travels, but the human experience and our interconnectedness inspire me the most.
With anything I create or put out into the world, my goal is to share the experience with transparency. I think we often feel alone in our journeys or are afraid to open our hearts to the world and others. By sharing stories and images of the places I’ve been or the people I’ve encountered, my sincerest hope is for the world to feel a little smaller and for each person to be less afraid of the unknown. There is tremendous growth beyond our comfort zone. If my writing or my photography can inspire one person to take control of their own lives and chase after their dreams, then everything I’ve shared so far is worth it.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Start within your budget, never stop creating, and be patient with making an income from your art.
First, we have this notion that the most expensive technology is required to be a successful artist, but it’s important to start somewhere attainable. My first camera was a Nikon D40, and I used a Dell laptop from 2007 to 2015. It wasn’t the best, but it was the perfect place to start until I could afford something more.
Second, you can only improve your artistry through practice. Ask your friends if you can take their photos. Carry a journal with you and incorporate writing into your routine. It’s free to move about your life with your chosen tools in tow. Focus on creating day-to-day and honing in on your craft. You’ll start seeing other things fall into place for you the more time you put into your work.
Lastly, don’t feel defeated if your art supplements your income rather than defines it. There is no shame in finding other ways to make money so we can continue pursuing our art. I loved bartending and working in restaurants because it offered the greatest flexibility financially and creatively. I’m able to write full time and travel with my photography because I put in the work from the beginning. It may have taken several years and some heartache, but I wouldn’t change anything because the growth was worth it.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I use Instagram (@haylicans) as my primary platform for writing and photography, though I’ve just launched my website www.haylinicole.com with additional musings, poetry, and travel galleries. I am also the editor of Pilgrim Magazine, www.pilgrimmag.com, which is a digital publication focused on beautiful travel narratives from around the world. I’ll be publishing my adventures there, including a recent piece about orangutan trekking in Sumatra.
Quite honestly, the best way to support my work is to say hello! I love getting to know the stories of others and finding the common threads of our experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.haylinicole.com
- Email: hayli@pilgrimmag.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/haylicans/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/haylirutledge
- Other: http://pilgrimmag.com/
Image Credit:
Hayli Nicole
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