How Kristi Nazzaro Uses Her Colorful Art to Spread Positivity
Updated Jan 2023: Maker’s Tech U is no longer open.
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Maker’s Tech U Member Spotlight SERIES
Artist chat with Kristi Nazzaro, a Mixed Media Artist, Instructor and Journal Maker. Kristi is passionate about her inclusive messages of positivity and validation that are built from the bright layers and bold textures of her easily recognized designs. Favorite mediums include watercolor, acrylic, fabric and stitching.
In this interview we chat about Kristi's art, how she uses it to spread positivity, overcoming creative blocks, how being a member of Maker's Tech U has helped her grow her online business and so much more!
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How would you describe your art?
My art is bright, bold and colorful stitched together with connection and positivity. Good for the soul!
What is it about creating that lights you up?
I really enjoy the process of creating art and then seeing how other people connect with it. I love when someone says this is me when they see my art. That really makes my soul happy.
How do you live a creative life?
I make time for art every day. I find it vital for my mental health. I also find joy and comfort in other forms of creativity - baking and gardening, thrift shopping. There are so many ways to express and live your own personal creative life.
How would you describe your creative process?
My process is very simple to me but I feel it may be different than most. I use color as my way of process. What I am feeling or working through flows through the colors I choose. I start by creating backgrounds and let the colors speak for me as I work. I can look at pieces I’ve made and know what I was feeling at the time. The words always come last for me.
What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to creating?
Absolutely time. Carving out sometimes only minutes to create. My life is very full. And I have to consciously make the time I need to keep creating. It’s so easy to fall down the business aspect rabbit hole every single day. It seems there is always some form of business to handle. But I try so hard to carve out the time to be creative. To work but without a business focus. That’s a tricky balance.
Do you ever experience creative blocks and what do you do to overcome them?
I do. I find when I am overwhelmed or feeling pressure to create the creative machine in my brain just stops. My heart and body know that I am pressuring myself too much. I have to stop and step back. I like to get out into nature - walk, hike, take a bike ride to clear my head. This helps me to clear those blocks.
How has your creative journey changed from when you first started creating?
Oh yes. I feel that I have finally found my own unique style. I have a much better rhythm now. I used to only work exclusively in acrylics. I still use acrylics but now add an element of watercolor to every piece. I love how over time I can see where I’ve grown as an artist.
Has technology been a struggle for you in creating an online presence or selling your art online? In what way?
Yes. I do not love the technology aspect of art. Videos, website, etc these are areas that don’t interest me so I think I always go in with a bad vibe and make the process a struggle.
What has benefited you the most from being a member of Maker’s Tech U?
MTU has been an absolute lifesaver. I don’t have the attention span to research and watch hundreds of minutes of video. MTU breaks down the steps in easy bite sized pieces. Roben-Marie creates videos that get right to the point. Short, sweet and informative. I can honestly say without MTU I would not have a website nor would I be able to navigate the technology aspect of my business easily.
How has your online presence changed since you joined Maker’s Tech U and applied what you have learned?
First and foremost I have more than one way to contact my audience. I have a newsletter list which allows me to offer specials, sales etc to those individuals who have taken the time to sign up. I love being able to offer specials to those followers who have been so supportive. By following training in MTU I’ve been able to take advantage of the tools of social media that help to grow my following ( IGTV, Reels, etc).
What advice would you give to other creatives struggling to move forward for fear of technology?
Sign up for MTU. Watch the videos. Take advantage of the community. There is so much support available. Don’t let your fear or dislike of technology hold you back.
What changes would you like to make in your creative journey over the next six months?
My next goal is to update my website. I am just now offering wholesale orders and would like to add a page exclusively for wholesale orders. In addition I have plans to expand my She Seeds™️ line.
What fun activity comes second in your life to creating?
I enjoy being outdoors. I recently began hiking and have found a whole new world filled with fresh air, plants, nature and bugs. Ha Ha. All kidding aside, hiking has opened a whole new world for me.
What is your superpower...something you feel makes you really shine and you get excited about?
I think connection is one of my super powers. I enjoy talking to people, sharing our commonalities, reaching out and connecting. I think sometimes we feel very isolated and wonder if anyone else feels the way we do. I feel like part of my job as an artist is to show people that they are not alone. That we are in this together.
Check out all the MTU Member Spotlight Interviews HERE!
KRISTI NAZZARO
Kristi Nazzaro is a Mixed Media Artist, Instructor and Journal Maker.
She is passionate about her inclusive messages of positivity and validation that are built from the bright layers and bold textures of her easily recognized designs. Favorite mediums include watercolor, acrylic, fabric and stitching.
Kristi introduced her product line of vividly colored, layered journal embellishments called Soul Snacks that support her popular online course, the Soul Snack Tag Journal.
Building community is the foundation of her philosophy. She believes that true healing and connection occur through vulnerability. She believes that kindness heals hearts, and forgiveness saves souls.
Kristi‘s positive messages can be found in Stampington‘s Somerset Studio Magazine, Ranger Ink tutorials, and as a guest artist for StencilGirl Products. She can be found hiking, gardening and spending time with her family in New Jersey.