Artist Spotlight: Ramin Nazer

Name / current location / medium

Ramin Nazer, Los Angeles, Illustrator (Ink-on-Paper + Digital)

Birthday

July 26

When did you first start doing art?

I’ve been doodling since before I knew how to read and write. In 1st grade I filled my homework assignment with random drawings and the teacher wanted to see me after class. I thought I was in trouble, but to my surprise he wanted me to make him a full-size once that was inked in. That was the first time I learned about “inking”.

What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever created?

After You Die is my favorite work because it was my first real book and it’s also accessible to everyone. Even my mom gets it and she’s always asking me to explain what my other pieces mean.

What are your inspirations?

I like Originals. Whether it’s painters, musicians, comedians.. I like people who are in their own lane. It reminds you that we all have a unique piece of the grand puzzle and shouldn’t try to fit into someone else’s mold.

What are your thoughts about Los Angeles?

I love Los Angeles. I know that it’s dirty, the traffic blows, and that there’s a higher percentage of narcissism than most other places, but it’s a giant hub of so many different cultures and geography. It’s not for everyone, but I feel very connected to it. Also, it’s the belly of the beast in terms of all forms of Show Business and I’ve always liked Show Business.

Do you have a favorite quote?

There are so many good ones. Especially in this age with all the Instagram quote images everywhere. Here are a couple I like currently:

“Don’t think. Just concentrate.” - Jaco Pastorius

“The most important thing in art is The Frame. For painting: literally; for other arts: figuratively–because, without this humble appliance, you can't know where The Art stops and The Real World begins." - Frank Zappa

“The treasure you seek is in the cave you least wish to enter.” - Joseph Campbell

“The master has failed more times than the amateur has attempted.” - Ancient Wise Quote Person

Do you have any key concepts, wisdom, or principles that you live and create by?

Stop overthinking and just FINISH stuff. Real artists ship. Embrace failure more. It never stops being scary, but that means you have a good compass that tells you the direction you are supposed to go. Learn to bravely walk into fear instead of scheming on how to dissolve it.

Any words for aspiring artists?

Don’t stop. Keep going. I know it’s hard, but if you stop you may be missing out on The Best Timeline. Make it for you, then share it so that the other souls it resonates with may find it. Pay no mind to those it was not meant for.

Any words for aspiring collectors?

I never thought that collectors needed encouragement. Along the way I’ve been a stamp collector, comic collector, instrument collector, and I’ve never felt like I was in a rut. Seems like the only limiting factor in collecting physical stuff is money, so maybe find additional collections that don’t involve money. Unless it’s during my exhibit.. In that case, hand over the dough. Stick ‘em up!

Anything else we should know?

Instead of keeping track of a million to-do list items, just focus on one thing: Do NOT kill self. That’s it! Everything else is a side quest. I know it sounds obvious, but life can get really low sometimes for everyone. Even for those with a lot of wealth + status. I feel like we could use a little more “Don’t Do It!” on this planet instead of just waiting until after it’s too late.

Also, just be nice to people. Kindness is in more need right now than Success is. There’s already plenty of Success people. Now that I’ve written all this down, let’s see if I can live by any of it! CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR RAMIN'S ART EXPERIENCE 9/24/22

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