iconLog In  |  Register

Jillian Nickell and her illustrations

Posted in ARTS to Consumed by Creativity by Justine Fein-Bursoni on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 12:00 pm

Local artist Jillian Nickell is phenomenal. Her illustrations are well-crafted, full of imagination, and extremely elaborate. I found out about Jillian's work through posters she had created for local music shows. But it doesn't stop there. Her artwork is available in quite a few places and in various forms. Jillian's work (a playful collection of animals in the form of sewing supplies and a trip down memory lane to the playground) can also be found on the beloved Threadless site in the form of t-shirts. Most recently, Jillian was selected to sell her work on Urban Outfitter's newest endeavor called, Print Shop. Her prints can be purchased as a traditional poster or as a laptop skin or iPhone/iPod skin. If you're like me and can't get enough of Jillian's art, tonight is also the opening of CUDO's abCU Alphabet Show where Jillian will be presenting her version of the letter "e". And without further ado, Smile Politely would like to introduce Jillian Nickell.

Consumed by: Gardening, sewing and illustration

Age: Old enough to know better!

Hometown: Champaign, Illinois — though technically not in Champaign, I grew up on a farm near here.

Occupation: Illustrator, designer, and educator

One item you covet: Vintage dresses

When did you make your first print? What was it? About a year and a half ago at Weiskamp Screen printing, it was a "Dandylion" (see image on the right).

Living without printmaking would be: less stressful, but not as much fun either! It's introduced me to a lot of people I would never have met otherwise and I wouldn't have it any other way.

What is your current project? Currently I am working on a set of illustrations from Alice in Wonderland that I'll eventually put up for sale and it's also for my portfolio. I am planning on doing children's books in the near future and am gearing up for that. I've also got a couple of threadless designs that I am working on (as always!)

Your ideas come from: This is a tricky one to answer as a lot of my best ideas just pop up when I'm doing something else. However, I'm always on the lookout at estate sales for old scrapbooks, children's books and school readers. I find looking at those helps fill my head up with a lot of helpful imagery that will be the seed of an idea, and I have a much more antique aesthetic than more modern design.

The images in your work are very animal-centric. What do animals represent
for you? I think animals are easier to relate to sometimes in artwork, and they add a sense of fun and whimsy that fit my personality well; I don't do "dark" work very well. I do draw people too, but it's sometimes more fun to see an octopus riding a bike and wearing a bowler hat than a guy. (See "Octobike" below.)

If you could ask yourself one question about being an artist, what would it
be and how would you answer?: Why aren't you done with that project yet? Probably because I'm a perfectionist and I keep redoing things.

Describe the print you would love to design/create: I think as far as posters go, it would be really really fun to do a set of circus posters. I'm all about an imaginary circus where the animals run the show. Actually, I'll probably get to that one of these years.

Local artist that inspires you: Bea Nettles was my teacher at the University of Illinois, she's a book binder and photography artist. She really taught the value of high craftsmanship paired with great ideas and her art is just amazing. I learned a lot from her.

Your work will be in CUDO's abCU alphabet show — why did you select the letter
"E" to interpret? Honestly, I thought of the goofiest sentence I could think of where every word all started with the same letter, and that happened to be "E" — you'll have to stop by the show to see what I did, haha.

During the springtime in Champaign-Urbana, we need more: Flowers!! I'm addicted to spring gardening catalogs and keep getting stuff. My yard will be JAM PACKED!

During the summertime in Champaign-Urbana, I can't get enough: Jarling's Custard Cup, my favorite!

More of Jillian Nickell's work can be found on her website and for sale on her etsy page, and probably in the garden in her backyard. If you are disappointed that her work is completely sold out on Threadless, you can click "reprint" and sign up to be notified if/when Threadless reprints. The CUDO abCU Alphabet Show is tonight at Cakes on Walnut, 114 N. Walnut St. in downtown Champaign, from 6-9 pm. And last, but not least, Jillian's work will also be on display at Exile on Main Street for the Boneyard Art Festival/Record Store day. Phew!


4 comments

username

emily

04/15/10 at 04:38
#1

 Jillian, your prints are awesome!  Where & when is the CUDO show? 

username

jillian

04/15/10 at 04:15
#2

Thanks!  The show info can be found here:
http://thecudo.org/abcu/
 
Hope to see you there!

Justine Fein-Bursoni avatar featured_post

Justine Fein-Bursoni

04/15/10 at 04:45
#3

I added the CUDO abCU Alphabet Show in to the last paragraph. Thanks for catching the error!

bhrama avatar

bhrama

04/16/10 at 04:43
#4

Wow, I really love your style…have you ever done any Bulls? :)

Most Recent Arts Comments

{username}

Thanks for the sage advice Mary Anna, but I’m long done with the sucking up and being thankful for the scraps. The most important thing an artist can do to live with yourself is tell the emperor he’s got no clothes, and spray paint something on his…

Posted by Local Yocal to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
{username}

Local, I forgot to offer you a piece of sage advice. Don’t bag on 39 south because they represent your potential collector pool. Even though I haven’t lived in Champaign since 1997, 39 south is still the only arts entity that has promoted my work as an…

Posted by Mary Anna Pomonis to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
{username}

Lest 39 South feels picked on: Check this from the Urbana City Public Arts Program: “Calling all Champaign County Artists! We’re pleased to announce a Call for Entries for a new initiative called Murals on Glass, which will feature artwork reproduced in adhesive vinyl displayed on the…

Posted by Local Yocal to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
{username}

You forgot Jonathon Fineberg was also personal pals with the Christo’s. I’ll agree that Dr. Fineberg has done a tremendous job communicating to undergrads why this stuff is important, but I won’t kiss the ring because he also contributed to the dismantling of crafts at the U…

Posted by Local Yocal to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
Mike Ingram avatar

And boom goes the dynamite.

Posted by Mike Ingram to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
{username}

I think the best and most exciting arts programming in Champaign-Urbana is at the Krannert Art Museum. The depth and quality of the museum’s permanent collection speaks highly to the intelligence of the art history faculty at the University. I have to say taking Art History with…

Posted by Mary Anna Pomonis to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
{username}

Another mystifying thing is 39 South touts the fact that when you consider all things that are considered “art”, i.e. music, exhibits, movies, performances, craft fairs, circuses, ect; art in Champaign County apparently generates $60 million dollars of “economic activity” every year, so says 39 South. And…

Posted by Local Yocal to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/14/12.
{username}

I have to agree, I’m a bit confused as to the purpose of 40 North, although I am aware that the organization is in a period of restructuring and re-examination. And yes, the “staff of 1” does work tirelessly to keep the operations afloat, but the fact…

Posted by Lisa to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/14/12.
{username}

“Making art accessible to everyone and cultivating the art and artists in Champaign County is 40 North’s main mission.” FACT: When the Urbana City Council proposed to form a new public arts council of its own in 2008, 39 South actually sent letters from board members Cody…

Posted by Local Yocal to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/14/12.
{username}

On behalf of the New Art Film Festival, I’d like to thank you for highlighting our event in this article. It is our pleasure to put together this showcase for the community and the recognition is highly appreciated by all of us involved in the NAFF. Also,…

Posted by Jason Pankoke to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/14/12.

Most Popular Arts Articles (60 days)

  1. New film showcases the wonders of the Linotype machine Posted to Arts by Jeremiah Stanley on 04/11/12
  2. The intricate jest of Rob Delaney featured_postPosted to Arts by Caleb Curtiss on 04/04/12
  3. Spotlight: Drag shows in Champaign-Urbana, Part IV featured_postPosted to Arts by Tracy Nectoux on 03/20/12
  4. Behind the Scenes of Cirque du Soleil: Quidam at Assembly Hall featured_postPosted to Arts by Meghan Whalen on 03/23/12
  5. No foolin’, April is gonna be good featured_postPosted to Arts by Jeremiah Stanley on 03/29/12
  6. An interview with Maya Bruck of Pixo featured_postPosted to Arts by Paul Young on 04/04/12
  7. Crispin Hellion Glover does it all featured_postPosted to Arts by Jeremiah Stanley on 04/09/12
  8. Weiskamp makes poster printing a community experience Posted to Arts by Claire Melvin on 04/25/12
  9. Mark Neely returns to C-U for S&B featured_postPosted to Arts by Caleb Curtiss on 04/12/12
  10. Amelia Gray to close out the Carr series featured_postPosted to Arts by Caleb Curtiss on 04/16/12

Most Recent Comments

{username}

Possible Honorary Categories: Most Bizarre Restaurant Decor: Mas Amigos on Springfield Av. With painstaking attention to shelving, the owner proudly displays his NFL football helmet collection. WTF? Best Pancakes: Courier Cafe. Huge, fluffy, served with hot syrup. If you can stuff 3 of these down, you don’t…

By Local Yocal to the entry 'BEST Food & Drink on 05/16/12.
{username}

@Jason: You’re right about that. I get groceries at Schnucks (they carry what I buy, which I can’t say of any other single grocery store in town), and if they have a beer I’m in the market for it’s usually a quarter or two cheaper per 6-…

By Jay Pea to the entry 'BEST Culture on 05/16/12.
JPSherrill avatar

Best Neighborhood Bar (& Grill) : Urbana - My ‘hood-  the ‘Boom! http://www.boomerangbarandgrill.com Go on a Wing Wednesday or Fish Friday, or see a band play some night.  Local blue-collar Urbana terroir galore.  My only beer snobbish gripe is lack of a pale hopped ale, but you…

By JPSherrill to the entry 'BEST Culture on 05/16/12.
{username}

That article almost looks like something out of The Onion

By Matthew Apy to the entry 'A Case of Mistaken Identity on 05/16/12.
{username}

Thanks! I’m looking forward to writing even more….

By Sarah Boyer to the entry 'A Case of Mistaken Identity on 05/16/12.
Jason Brown avatar

The one thing that’s bothered me for a while about the Friar is that, for most commonly purchased adult beverages, you can actually walk down the strip mall to Schnucks and get them cheaper. It makes no sense, but there it is. I suspect it’s because Schnucks…

By Jason Brown to the entry 'BEST Culture on 05/15/12.
{username}

Thanks for the sage advice Mary Anna, but I’m long done with the sucking up and being thankful for the scraps. The most important thing an artist can do to live with yourself is tell the emperor he’s got no clothes, and spray paint something on his…

By Local Yocal to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
{username}

Local, I forgot to offer you a piece of sage advice. Don’t bag on 39 south because they represent your potential collector pool. Even though I haven’t lived in Champaign since 1997, 39 south is still the only arts entity that has promoted my work as an…

By Mary Anna Pomonis to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
Rob McColley avatar

Maybe I complained enough in person. One time I even explained to the (wholly uninterested) clerk how to navigate the Illinois Statutes web page, and Savoy’s Municipal Code database I wouldn’t know because I only go there when I want to pay 30% more for anything, which is never.

By Rob McColley to the entry 'BEST Culture on 05/15/12.
Annie Weisner avatar

Yay!  Love this!  Welcome to the family!

By Annie Weisner to the entry 'A Case of Mistaken Identity on 05/15/12.
{username}

@Rob: You seem to have the weirdest experiences. I’m in Friar Tuck every other week (don’t tell my mom that I’m a lush). They never fail to ask for my birth date but never my age, they never card afterwards, and they often allow me to use…

By Jay Pea to the entry 'BEST Culture on 05/15/12.
Rob McColley avatar

This column affords me a long-awaited opportunity. I’ve wanted to write my own column called Fuck You Friar Tuck Liquors. but I always thought it’d be too pithy. Here, I can say Fuck You Friar Tuck Liquors and not feel bothered to stretch it out to 750…

By Rob McColley to the entry 'BEST Culture on 05/15/12.
{username}

Lest 39 South feels picked on: Check this from the Urbana City Public Arts Program: “Calling all Champaign County Artists! We’re pleased to announce a Call for Entries for a new initiative called Murals on Glass, which will feature artwork reproduced in adhesive vinyl displayed on the…

By Local Yocal to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
Tracy Nectoux avatar

Ha! Exactly. You, sir, are welcome at the bar in My House.

By Tracy Nectoux to the entry 'BEST Culture on 05/15/12.
Rob McColley avatar

Why wait ‘til 3 pm?

By Rob McColley to the entry 'BEST Culture on 05/15/12.
{username}

You forgot Jonathon Fineberg was also personal pals with the Christo’s. I’ll agree that Dr. Fineberg has done a tremendous job communicating to undergrads why this stuff is important, but I won’t kiss the ring because he also contributed to the dismantling of crafts at the U…

By Local Yocal to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
Mike Ingram avatar

And boom goes the dynamite.

By Mike Ingram to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
{username}

I think the best and most exciting arts programming in Champaign-Urbana is at the Krannert Art Museum. The depth and quality of the museum’s permanent collection speaks highly to the intelligence of the art history faculty at the University. I have to say taking Art History with…

By Mary Anna Pomonis to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/15/12.
{username}

Another mystifying thing is 39 South touts the fact that when you consider all things that are considered “art”, i.e. music, exhibits, movies, performances, craft fairs, circuses, ect; art in Champaign County apparently generates $60 million dollars of “economic activity” every year, so says 39 South. And…

By Local Yocal to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/14/12.
{username}

I have to agree, I’m a bit confused as to the purpose of 40 North, although I am aware that the organization is in a period of restructuring and re-examination. And yes, the “staff of 1” does work tirelessly to keep the operations afloat, but the fact…

By Lisa to the entry 'BEST Arts on 05/14/12.

Most Popular Articles (14 days)

  1. 2012 Pygmalion Music Festival initial lineup featured_postPosted to Music by Smile Politely Editors on 05/08/12
  2. “Opposite” marriage includes fun, love, and drinking in the day featured_postPosted to Opinion by Mike Coulter on 05/03/12
  3. Cafe Zojo steals the show featured_postPosted to Food & Drink by Paul Dudley and Bonnie Dudley on 05/09/12
  4. Triptych bypasses another hurdle, waits for results Posted to Food & Drink by Jeremiah Stanley on 05/03/12
  5. Groce loses first staffer Posted to Sports by Rob McColley on 05/12/12
  6. Paradises Lost; paradigms shifted featured_postPosted to Music by Rob McColley on 05/03/12
  7. Weekender: May 4–6 Posted to Culture by Smile Politely Editors on 05/04/12
  8. The Market Watch returns! Posted to Food & Drink by The Market Watcher on 05/04/12
  9. Ashes to Ashes | Rust to Rust featured_postPosted to Culture by Tracy Nectoux on 05/07/12
  10. BEST Arts featured_postPosted to Arts by Smile Politely Editors on 05/14/12

Log In



Auto-login on future visits

Forgot your password?