Friday, October 2, 2026
Ilidia Nicholas is making the world a brighter place through her vibrant artwork, collaborations with fellow artists, involvement in community activities, and by raising her two children to be creative and actively engaged participants in this world. Nicholas is a kind, genuine, sweet, and loving person, and I am honored to call her a friend.
You might recognize her brand (Ilidia Illustrated) from recent festivals, local shops like Ossa Skinworks, or from social media where she is also growing in popularity. It is hard to believe that she only started her business last year!
I hope you enjoy our discussion.
Benton: Where do you draw your inspiration from as an artist?
Nicholas: “Mostly nature. I love strawberries, tomatoes, flowers, mushrooms, and things I see here in the Pacific Northwest. It is all fresh and fun, like who doesn’t love strawberries? Even if you do not enjoy the taste of strawberries, they’re just so cute, you know? Drawing strawberries is fun too because they can really be any shape, and you can do anything with them!
“I've created a really cool community of women in the art business, and they inspire me. We have this art club going with challenges with themes like ‘Draw the Farmers Market.’ We go to each other and ask questions and give each other advice.”
Benton: Where did your love of art begin?
Nicholas: “I've been artistic my whole life. Growing up, art was my outlet and my therapy. I always took art classes in school, and (as a homeschool mom) I try to pass that on to my kids. We do art and do-it-yourself projects at home all the time.”
Benton: Do your kids interact with you when you make your art?
Nicholas: “They see everything I am doing, and I feel it is important to talk to them like they are human beings. I ask my kids, ‘What do you think of my artwork?’ They will see my art at different events, and they are super encouraging. They cheer me on and are so proud of me!
“It’s so cool that they have been able to watch as I have made my art a business. I’d been thinking about it for a long time and had been kind of scared to do it. One day I decided, ‘I’m just going to do it! Jump right in!’ I’m a very shy, introverted person until you get to know me, but I have been putting myself out there, and it’s cool that my kids could see me do that.
“There is that stigma that says, ‘Artists can’t make any money from making art; that it’s not a real job,’ and I am saying, ‘No it is, and it can be.’ You can do it, go for what you want, it doesn’t matter what other people say.”
Benton: Art has always been important, but why do you believe art is important to this moment in today’s world?
Nicholas: “Art inspires conversations with people — it brings up conversations in my own household. One time, my kids asked me about Juneteenth, and they’re younger, but I think art is one of the kid-friendly ways you can talk to kids about the world we live in.
“I can take what I am feeling personally about a situation going on in the world, something that is happening that I agree or disagree with, and put that into my art. People can enjoy looking at my art and can relate to it. Making art is my way to get my opinion out there on a topic and to help people not feel alone in their opinions or situations. Art is also really fun, and we need fun in our lives.”
Nicholas' art sparks joy, whimsy, and inspiration that enhances the quality of everyday life. I encourage you to explore her website, follow her on social media, and sign up for her monthly newsletter “Sweet Notes." Sweet Notes includes a free printable coloring page, updates on her art, and shares new items added to her shop!
It is with Nicholas’ permission that I share this with you.
Her father recently passed away. Please join me in lifting prayers and good thoughts to her family during this sorrowful time.
While she is in New York grieving with her family, her husband and best friend will be covering her booth at the Puget Sound Book Festival in Bremerton on Aug. 9. Come out and show your support for Nicholas!
Nicholas looks forward to coming back to our corner of the world as soon as she is able.
Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.
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