Claim OwnershipSecondary Colors with Nick Kuchar and Friends
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Making art is fun, but making a living off of your creativity is difficult. Aloha, I'm Nick! I'm a Hawaii based artist and entrepreneur. Join me and my fellow creatives as we take a look behind-the-canvas to discuss the nuts and bolts of successful art, business and making it work.
39 Episodes
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Ever wonder what really makes your art stand out at a market event? Nick, Tracey, and Dale catch up on recent events in episode 38. From booth creation and setup, to on-site activations like live screen printing for Nick's new limited edition "Mango Season". We share what's been working, what we're still dialing in, and a few book recommendations that are shaping how we approach business and creativity in 2025. Also tips on your new hire process as we bring on some added help in the marketing department to grow our team. If you're into small biz life, creative work, or just want a peek behind the curtain - this one's for you! Recorded @ Nick Kuchar Art & Vintage @ Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, HI. Follow Nick @ www.instagram.com/NickKuchar or shop 'til ya drop @ www.NickKuchar.com
Entrepreneur and Sunrise Shack co-founder Travis Smith joins Nick, Tracey & Dale to discuss 5 key elements you can implement to make your small business grow and hit it's full potential. The fellas deep dive into being resourceful, not afraid of failing, emotional connection with customers, your brand's authenticity, developing unique concepts and networking. Travis and Nick also discuss the importance of patience and wherewithal to help keep your business-owner head on straight. It's a good one for episode 37, friends! Recorded at Nick Kuchar Art & Design shop in sunny Kailua town, O'ahu. Find Nick's designs @ www.nickkuchar.com Follow us @ www.instagram/NickKuchar Discover your local Sunrise Shack @ www.sunriseshackhawaii.com
Hau'oli Makahiki Hou and Happy New Year, friends! Nick, Tracey & Dale kick off 2025 by taking a moment to discuss art milestones from the last 12 months (most notably opening up a pop-up shop at Ala Moana Center!) Looking to potentially expand your art business to a brick and mortar location? The episode is packed with details and lessons learned in opening a retail shop (in one day, mind you!) We also chat about awesome design collabs from 2024 including Kahala, Uniqlo and Cocomoon. The crew dives into their opportunities to expand in the Japan market, MMA haircuts, and dangerous centipede bites. Yeah, you read that right. Episode 36 of Secondary Colors has got ...it ...all. Shop Nick's designs www.nickkuchar.com Follow Nick: http://instagram.com/nickkuchar/ Recorded from the Nick Kuchar Art & Design Shop at Ala Moana Center on O'ahu.
Olympic gold-medalist Carissa Moore joins Nick, Tracey & Dale for an insightful chat for episode 35! As a multiple-time world champion surfer and non-profit founder, she not only showcases incredible talent in the ocean but also serves as a role model for the next generation. Her commitment to empowering young surfers, especially girls, is evident through her involvement in her "Moore Aloha" foundation and other initiatives that promote wellness, living authentically and finding your purpose. Carissa's positive outlook encourages youth to pursue their dreams and embrace challenges with resilience. She speaks about the importance of mental health, community support, and the joy that comes from being connected to nature. On this episode we also dive in to the similiarities and challenges of operating a non profit vs starting a business. By sharing her journey and advocating for important causes, Carissa Moore helps instill a sense of purpose and positivity in young people, inspiring them to ride the waves of life's changes with confidence and compassion. Recorded @ Nick Kuchar Art & Design Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai'i - check out his new collab with Cocomoon and other designs at www.nickkuchar.com Learn more about Carissa's non-profit here: https://www.moorealoha.com Follow Nick on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/nickkuchar/
Join artist, Surfer Towel owner, and all-around awesome human Christie Shinn as she teams up with Nick and Dale for an in-depth exploration of Rick Rubin's #1 New York Times bestseller, "The Creative Act: A Way of Being." This book addresses many of the challenges that creatives face across all genres. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering it, the trio shares valuable insights on its relevance for both new and experienced artists. Come be a part of the virtual book club, friends! Recorded @ Nick Kuchar Art & Design in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai'i. CONNECT WITH US! SHOP: www.NickKuchar.com INSTAGRAM: @NickKuchar FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/NickKucharArt
Kailua's own Brodie Perkins joins the guys for episode #33! As an amazingly talented 3D Digital Sculptor, Brodie has designed and created toys for the likes of Disney, Hasbro, McFarlane Toys, DC Comics & more. He shares how his ability to adapt and morph his own career over the years not only made him pliable but enabled him to get to his level of success today and work on childhood favorites (like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Nick, fresh from Japan, shares his stories of Yokohama's Green Room Festival and how to engage fans and art customers even across language barriers while Dale and Tracey discuss the upcoming Haleiwa Arts Festival and how best to organize large scale artist events. Cowabunga, friends!! Check out Brodie's work HERE: www.instagram.com/Brodie_3D Follow Nick HERE: www.instagram.com/NickKuchar Recorded @ Nick Kuchar Art & Design Co. Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai'i.
E-commerce expert and Co-Founder of www.JustStartUp.com, Desiree Shank joins Nick & Dale for episode 32 of Secondary Colors! Desiree shares her wealth of knowledge on which KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) help best measure the success level of digital marketing campaigns and how to effectively utilize social media to drive traffic and sales. She also gives specific case studies of how she has leveled up a variety of brands, ways to keep up with the ever evolving game of S.E.O., email marketing best practices, seasonal online trends … you name it, Desiree knows it. This is one of our most informative episodes so grab your notepad and come get enlightened with us friends! Recorded @ Nick Kuchar Art & Design Co. Shop in sunny Kailua, HI. Shop Nick's art and learn about his journey at www.NickKuchar.com
Nick, Tracey & Dale are back in this advice-packed episode of Secondary Colors! From public speaking, to managing staff meetings and client giveaways to the daunting task of hiring a new employee - the gang discusses all the pitfalls and highlights of navigating the world of small business ownership in 2024. Come join us, friends! Recorded in sunny Kailua town, O'ahu @ the Nick Kuchar Art & Design Shop. Follow Nick: www.instagram.com/NickKuchar Follow our shop: www.instagram.com/NickKucharShop
Nick, Tracey & Dale welcome June Shine's Creative Director, Kahana Kalama to episode #30 of Secondary Colors! Kahana delves into the many skills needed for a successful middle-man between marketing teams and artists - aptly comparing the ability to do so as it to it's own language. Having worked many times with Nick (for JuneShine's can art designs) he provides the best practices for the push-and-pull dance required as a successful Creative Director, all while managing a full home life of 5 kids with his lovely wife. The perfect listen for those struggling to understand the needs and demands of their art & design clients. Join us, friends! Recorded @ Nick Kuchar's Art & Design Shop in sunny Kailua town, O'ahu Hawai'i. Visit us at www.nickkuchar.com or www.instagram.com/NickKuchar
Maui-based artist Welzie returns to Secondary Colors to discuss his perspective of life after the tragic fires that swept Maui on August 8th. From the importance of establishing your creative community to helping children heal through art, Nick & Welzie have a heartfelt one-on-one about the ways we can learn and grow from moments like this through out life and the power of speaking positivity. Join us, friends!
Nick, Tracey & Dale are back from their summer-long hiatus to discuss the whirlwind of these last few months. From the excitement of meeting wild deer (and even wilder robots) in Japan, to the devestation brought on by the Maui fires and the surprising challenges that come with fundraising, this episode is a candid catch up between the guys packed with unsolicited advice. Nick shares tips they learned first hand in raising money for Maui Relief efforts, and one thing they started doing that has been a huge help for their retail partners. We're stoked to be back, friends! Recorded at Nick Kuchar Art & Design in beautiful Kailua town, Hawai'i. For Nick's work, paddle on over to www.NickKuchar.com or join the party wave on Instagram at www.instagram.com/NickKuchar
Hailing from the streets of Yokohama, Japan (which might explain some of the audio quality, sorry) Nick sits down with several of his friends and fellow artists for this special Green Room Festival edition of Secondary Colors! Nick chats mastering the freelance life and giving back to the Pacific Islander community with Shar Tuiasoa AKA Punky Aloha (https://punkyaloha.com), to unlocking the cheat code for being creative more often with Matt Allen (https://mattallen.com) & Jonas Claesson (https://jonasclaesson.com). Plus, the return of Christie Shinn (https://shinnstudio.com) AKA "Auntie Crispy" who sheds some light on getting to know your market and adjusting business accordingly. It's a star-studded affair, folks. Listen now! Edited @ Nick Kuchar Art & Design Co. (https://instagram.com/NickKuchar) in beautiful Kailua town. Shop the new "Secret Spot" Collection with Hurley now on www.nickkuchar.com
What's going to take your art business to the next level? Brittney Heyd of Hawaii's Mana Up (https://manauphawaii.com) joins Nick, Tracey & Dale to share tips and advice on how to do just that! From ways to begin your art business journey, to the importance of telling your personal story and creating a narrative behind everything you sell - Brittany and the guys discuss it all. Plus, new prints and clothing headed your way this month on www.nickkuchar.com. Wrap your ears around episode 26 of Secondary Colors with Nick Kuchar & Friends, friends! Recorded in the Nick Kuchar Art & Design Shop in beautiful Kailua town.
Pricing our work can be one of the most difficult things in our daily process...it doesn't have to be! Take advice from Nick & Jaz's about becoming a confident freelancer in this conversation geared toward empowering creatives. Jaz offers a free pricing calculator on her website & encourages our listeners to know their worth. She also gives tips on how to move their business forward. The duo discuss drafting up a contract, getting your project off on the right foot and getting yourself in a mindset for growth. It's time for episode 25! Jaz on insta @yourpricingqueen More about Jaz and a free pricing calculator available at www.creativebusinesskitchen.com Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai'i.
Creator of TheVectorLab, Designer Ray Dombroski joins Nick, Tracey & Dale for episode 24! Ray's extensive background in the surf apparel industry started in 2002. Since then he has designed for many top brands in California and Hawaii, such as Quiksilver, O'Neill, Billabong, Rip Curl, Ocean Pacific and Local Motion. He shares his successes and hardships that lead him to finally establishing The Vector Lab website that offers design elements, graphic design resources, tools, and tutorials. As a fellow Florida State University student, Ray and Nick remininsce about the good ol' days, Tracey daydreams of nostalgic skateboard decks while Dale packs his bags for Japan. Thanks for joining us for two dozen episodes! Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai'i. Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)
Freelance Artist and Designer Matthew Tapia (www.instagram.com/MatthewTapia) joins Nick, Tracey and Dale for episode 23! From his large scale work including the iconic "Wish You Were Here" at the Surfjack hotel pool to his role on the team for MLB's Cleveland Guardians rename and a variety of branding & lettering projects in-between, Matt shares what he's learned in the many steps along the road to freelance life and how clear communication can make or break any relationship. Nick & Tracey discuss the many challenges of any hiring process (we're hiring, by the way: www.NickKuchar.com for more details) and how to change up your approach to new hires. Listen now, friends!
The guys ring in the new year with Hawai'i-based graffiti artist Melon James! Melon shares his personal story of his gang-filled past in the streets of Chicago, to life in the military and his eventual new beginnings on the isle of O'ahu. Weaving perseverance and artistic skill, his inspirational journey has turned a strong passion for graffiti and art into a successful career. Nick, Tracey & Dale chat goals for 2023 and play a 'new' game with our guest. Happy New Episode, everybody! Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai'i. Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine! Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)
Tis the Season to be ... Podcasting! Nick, Tracey & Dale look back at the last 20 episodes of Secondary Colors and share their favorite moments from all the guests and good times that they've shared. We cover everything from crafting a great portfolio to show your clients (with Noa Emberson) and how to handle hard challenges and make difficult decisions (with career coach Maria Brophy and Juneshine founder Forrest Dein). We also take a listen to a clip of Matt and Roxy Ortiz of Wooden Wave discussing how they work together as spouses, artists and parents. The team touches on the importance of saying Yes (and No) to the right projects with artist Erik Abel, too. The holidays are always a great time to reflect and be thankful so the guys do just that while giving some Behind the Scenes looks at previous episodes. We are so thankful for our listeners and look forward to all the good times ahead for 2023. Mahalo and Happy Holidays everybody! Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!
Photographer Asia Brynne joins us for episode 20 to give her advice on being a successful commercial photographer. She talks diversifying your business and navigating the fine line of work you're passionate about with work you can make a living off of. Asia also provides practical tips for shoot day and the gang all chats about crafting your dream career through the winding road of entrepreneurship. Nick and Dale take a deep dive into how to answer media interview questions, Black Friday marketing and how it applies to your art business ... and if you like drone flying horror stories, this one's for you! Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!
Artist Jonas Claesson joins the guys to share words of wisdom on how to get helpful direction and quick feedback from your clients (from the initial design brief!) to revision stages and presenting the finished product. They talk ways to avoid creative burnout and the amazingly coined feat of learning how to "fail forward." Even Jonas' worst fail ever comes with practical advice you can take and apply today to avoid it yourself. Nick and the Australia-based guest discuss their upcoming NFT releases while Tracey shares his advice on communication with your team and vendors. PLUS the most epic of showdowns - THE Australia vs. Sweden World Championships! What? That's right, it's episode 19, friends! Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!
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