Podcast

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. 

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!

Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai‘i. 

Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!

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 gives advice for being a successful commercial photographer. Asia talks about diversifying your business and navigating the fine line of work you're passionate about and work you can make a living off of. Get Asia's practical tips for shoot day. We also chat 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 and talk Black Friday marketing and how it applies to your art business. ...And if you like drone flying horror stories this one's for you! 

Asia Brynne's work can be found at www.openwaterproductions.net

Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!

Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)

Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu, Hawaii.

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!

Jonas Claesson's work can be found here: jonasclaesson.com

Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!

Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)

Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu, Hawaii.

An often requested topic from our listeners, this deep dive takes us into Web3, NFTs and art on the blockchain. A must listen convo with guests Eric & Noah of Collective Strangers serves as a great intro-guide for creatives entering the space! The team also talks new studio releases, physical vs. digital collecting and Nick's upcoming NFT PFP collaboration with Collective Strangers. World traveling photographer Eric Rubens additionally shares his tips on networking, telling your story and furthering your creativity. Noah AKA Passion shares his knowledge of the Ethereum network, practical advice for minting NFTs and how to find opportunities in this new frontier. It's time for episode 18, friends!

SHOW NOTES:
Collective Strangers
On the web: www.collectivestrangers.xyz
On Twitter: @strangersxyz
@nickkuchar for a sneak peek of the pfp Collection!

Photographer Eric Rubens: @erubes1 on twitter & insta

Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!

Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)

Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu, Hawaii.

Onward Creative Art Director and Artist Noa Emberson joins us to discuss the ins and outs of working with clients and gives practical tips on successfully directing a design team. How do you avoid an endless loop of revisions? How do you get properly compensated for your work? What does a client look for in a designer or creative agency? This one is a topical and insightful look into the way a creative's brain works and the team ends the show with a fun game of "This or That."  It's time for episode 17 of Secondary Colors!

Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)

Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu, Hawaii.

After a long hiatus (thanks, COVID) the boys are back in town with episode 16! Nick & Tracey sit down with producer Dale to answer all your "Ask Me Anything" submissions from social media. From business tips to family life, and never discussed before topics like NFTs and Web3, the guys reveal a plethora of fun facts about the adventures of Nick Kuchar Art & Design Co. Join us now, friends!

Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)

Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu, Hawaii.

We dive headfirst into the intriguing life of renaissance man Brian Bent. From kookboxes to homemade hot rods, family-band punk rock and his myriad of creative ventures. The gang goes deep on advice for positive thinking during the darkest of times (even during tragic family loss) and how the right mindset to constantly put yourself out there can lead you to unexpected success. Nick, Tracey & Dale also chat about recent outer island adventures and how to find the sweet spot of challenging yourself and pushing through discouragement. 

Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)

Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu, Hawaii.

Nick, Tracey & producer Dale are joined by photographer John Hook in a discussion about the creative process of being a professional art creator. Is your work for your audience or do you make it for yourself? Is there a way to genuinely balance both? John also gives some great wedding photography tips from his years in the biz and Nick offers some bite-sized advice ... unsolicited, of course. Join us, friends!

Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)

Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu, Hawaii.