Interview With A Pixel Artist Part 11: is_it_about_beads_tho

Who are you? Where are you based? 

My name is Nick and I am based out of Montreal Quebec
 
When and why did you first start making your art?  

I first started with my daughters, I had bought them some beads on a whim for Christmas, I then realized I had a ton of fun making them myself. One thing led to another and as I got into looking for more patterns online I found some very intricate projects... the rest is history!
 
What inspires your artwork? 
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I love making pop art-inspired pieces, 8 bit videogames, skateboarding, 80's movies (especially star wars & the Shining) 

​Do you remember the first piece you made? 

Most likely a princess pattern for my daughters
 
What's the biggest piece you've ever made? 
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Probably either my "dull boy" jack Nicholson piece or my Han and Leia Gun portraits. I completed a "Lost Boys" piece as well but it was 3 separate portrait panels. 

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What is your art workspace like? 
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My couch in front of the TV. with a lot of cardboard to be able to move pieces on and off the table as needed lol

What are the tools of your trade? 

Perler brand tweezers (a must!!) I also have both a large Cricut as well as a mini Cricut (expensive but also a must!)
Just standard masking tape and patience after that. Oh yeah, I also work exclusively using HAMA brand beads.
 
What's the most time you've spent on a project? 

Probably months, the Jack Nicholson piece required the pattern background to be made on hex boards, (I only own 4 of them) but was determined to complete the project with the pieces I had. Putting them all together was long and tedious work... hahahah
 
Can you talk us through your creative process? How do you go about planning and creating a piece? 
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I usually either start with an idea or pattern in mind then go from there, it appears all my projects just keep getting bigger and bigger. I also use Beadifier online to help me map and plan out my projects!

What are the most common questions you get asked about your art? 

How much time they took to complete
 
Have you had any art-related disasters? 

I have spilled entire bead trays on 2 occasions (truly brutal) I have 8-10 thousand beads per tray (all different colors) so that is gut-wrenching when it happens. 
I also once sliced off a fingertip trying to cut out a section of beads with a razor (no stitches though)
 
Do you have a dream project you'd love to make, but just can't justify yet? 
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I am still looking for the next piece of inspiration to "top" my 3 big pieces (Vader helmet, Star wars blasters and Jack Nicholson)

​What was your most recent project? 
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A Mariah Carey portrait as a commission. 

hat are your favorite experiences you've had as a result of your art? 
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Meeting new people online, asking other artists for advice, being inspired by the creations of others, collaborating with other artists

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Do you have any projects in progress or in the pipeline right now? 

I am doing a surprise Family portrait at the moment (can't say who!) 
I already looking forward to the next BIG project!
 
Do you sell your art? If so, how can people find it? 
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Yes although I don't mass produce. I love art exchanges with non-bead artists. 
I do take commissions although I would have to be passionate about the subject as I would be staring at it for hours and hours hahaha!

How can people find you online? Drop your social media handles, websites etc... 

Instagram @ is_it_about_beads_tho
That's it! Contact me there, my LinkedIn is for my day job, and my Facebook is all skateboard collecting and what I am cooking for dinner! 

Anything else to share? Shoutouts, words of wisdom etc? 

Please feel free to reach out, I love to collaborate. Please feel free to use any of my designs and improve upon them if you think they could use it! 
(Just tag me in the comments so I can see the results)