Meet Nicholas Vallen

Hi! Welcome to the Roar "Meet the Artist Series" thank you so much for taking the time to sit with me and chat about all things art, career, business, and you! So, with that in mind, would you like to tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi! I’m Niko, an illustrator/tattoo artist based in Jakarta, Indonesia. I’ve been in the creative industry professionally since 2019!

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Roar: When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

Right after my uni graduation, in 2019 exactly.

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Roar: Tell us about the journey to get to where you are today?

I had the chance to do full-time illustrating around 2021, starting as a self-business with my business partner (selling illustrated mouse pads). As I am the one who takes care of the creative side, it helped me shape my skills in illustration over time during the running years, and a lot of creative opportunities started growing from there. 

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Roar: Tell us a little bit about the tools you use to create your work; how it works, how they help you work, and just a little about the process etc.

I use the Procreate app on my iPad to illustrate, with a set of customized brushes. I do have some struggles with fundamentals while sketching, so the editing tools really help me with this, ha!

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Roar: How do you prepare for your working day?

Brewing a cup of tea is my morning ritual, haha! After that, I just take my time to draw in the study room while listening to some podcasts, together with my spouse whilst she works on her embroideries!.

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Roar: Do you have pets? 

Yes! His name is Croffle, a 4-year-old Golden Retriever a.k.a. the cute bulldozer!!

Roar: Omg, hi!

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Roar: Least favourite subject matter to draw?

Dragons! It has taken me years to be ‘good’ at it, the anatomy and flow of a dragon are very challenging!

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Roar: Favourite subject matter to draw?

Dragons, haha! Although it takes some mental energy, there is nothing cooler than a dragon!

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Roar: How has AI impacted your career (if at all) and have you changed your approach to the way you work because of it? 

AI cuts budgets for huge companies, that's what I’ve experienced here in my local scene, while some small to medium businesses still appreciate human-made art. I now do tattoos as well since it’s the closest thing to a traditional craft that puts importance on human-driven processes.

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Roar: What would you want to say to anyone who thinks that AI is a harmless tool esp. if they are a commercial "artist"

Well, our community has been pushing very hard to educate about the importance of process in doing art, and it’s where the fun is. Those ‘artists’ might need to look for fun anywhere else!

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Roar: Who is an art director that you appreciate? Perhaps they gave you your first job and/or they let you have free control over the project? Gave you invaluable advice etc.

Wicitra from Rayjin! It was my first commercial project together with Roar, and we went full Japanese-driven aesthetics there! Thanks for the trust, Rayjin & team!

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Roar: How did you handle your worst client experience?

It’s a combination of being super patient and ranting out to my close friends as a coping mechanism! So far I still love handling clients tho!

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Roar: What other artistic mediums motivate you?

Japanese woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e). The master hand craftsmen’s works have been my inspirations since the beginning of my career.

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Roar: Who is your dream client to work for?

Must be Japanese brands! Maybe doing graphic tees for a seasonal collection with Uniqlo/GU.

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Roar: What would your dream commission be and how would you approach / tackle it if it ever came to fruition? 

I’d love doing some beverage packaging for Itoen/Suntory, and if ever it comes to fruition, I’d straight fly to Japan to take a photo together with them on street vending machines haha!

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Roar: Do you have any words of wisdom, or advise for those in their career (any stage)

Think like you’re just starting out, keep that curious mind and explore more!

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Roar: What made you want to be part of Roar (if you've been here since the start thank you for sticking with us!)

I saw how Roar artists put lifestyle-driven aesthetics into their work, so it has been a dream to join the roster. Thanks Skye for trusting me!

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Roar: If you were not an artist, what do you think you would be doing? 

Maybe, a ramen chef?

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Roar: How have the past years been as a working artist, have you found a difference in the type or consistency of work that has been commissioned over the years?

It fluctuates really, but right now I am diversifying my output channels, so hopefully I can get more consistency for the long run!

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Roar: Do you have another job other than the work you do as a commercial artist and do you think this helps or hinders your professional practice?

I do a creative business and tattoos on the side. All in all they have the same root: Japanese Illustration, just in different mediums. They all helped shape me as the artist I am today.

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Share some artists that you think we should know about

Gusde’s works are just magical. Check out his works at @gusdesidhi, and witness his elegant lineworks!

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Roar: What's your earliest art memory of why you wanted to become an artist? 

I remember drawing with some crayons while listening to the radio when I was 4 or 5 (it was playing Cranberries' songs). Remembering back to that day must have made me realize that this is what I want to do growing up!

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Roar: What is your favourite way to decompress from your work and can you tell us a little bit about your version of work/life balance?

I’ve been playing Pokemon on Nintendos lately. Reliving my childhood memories, good times with much less stress!

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Roar: How many drinks (cups, bottles etc) do you have on your desk at one time? 

Morning: Tea ; Afternoon: Water ; Evening: Milk; So 3 in total!

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Roar: Have you ever felt imposter syndrome, and what do you do to fight those thoughts? 

Yes, especially during my early career. After finding out my strengths and weaknesses, I accepted myself to work my best in what I do better, and position my work to match the type of projects.

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Roar: What fictional character do you relate to and why?

Yuta from Jujutsu Kaisen, he’s one of the main characters who leads others with empathy!

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Roar: If you had to suggest a book (or more than one) that helped you in your career what would it be and why? 

Anything related to comics / mangas! I think I built my visual sense and taste through them as I grew up.

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‍‍Roar: Your fave’s:

Jujutsu Kaisen, it’s an action anime which also inspired my artist moniker (now you know!)

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Roar: What do you listen to when you work? 

I listen to anything that my spouse is watching in the study room, mostly crime podcasts!

Roar: Same!

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Roar: Share your favourite recipe (if you cook) or if you're not a cook, maybe your favourite takeout? 

I love cooking Sundubu Jjigae, it’s a spicy Korean soup with tofu in it, an ultimate comfort food for rainy days!

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Roar: Country you  love to go or would love to visit?

JAPAN JAPAN AND JAPAN!

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Roar: Something you've been itching to draw but have not had an opportunity yet

Maybe Japanese-inspired doodles!! Combining what I do now and what I did as a kid sounds fun!

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Roar: What is something you feel people should know earlier on in their career? 

Hmm, I think being an artist means you’ll have a different lifestyle compared to others. Sometimes it might look challenging, but it’s in fact the most meaningful aspect of being a craftsman!

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Roar: Favourite snack?

Instant ramen, anything noodles!

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Roar: Any last thoughts for the readers? 

Thank you for always supporting us. Can’t wait to share more and to collaborate with you all!

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