In the Studio with Nick Wilson
Nick Wilson is the MakerSpace Manager at CAC which means he spends his time designing our shop training programs, writing class curriculum, and setting up partnerships with schools and other nonprofits. Most days you’ll find him hosting open studio or teaching MakerSpace classes and workshops. When he’s not at CAC, however, Nick spends his time working on his boutique electric guitar company, Prophecy Instruments, which features incredible hand-crafted guitars. He’s also a freelance graphic designer, specializing in band logos for heavy and alternative music genres. Here’s Nick talking about his background and business:
On his creative childhood: I was lucky to have my art interests fostered from a young age, participating in dance/theater/piano lessons since the age of 6. Institutions like the CAC played a big part in my childhood, and I’m so happy to be able to give those experiences to the next generation.
On the first instrument he built: I started my venture into woodworking at age 12, completing my first guitar at 13. My middle school notebooks were full of guitar sketches, and I dreamed of building one some day. My friend’s dad let us use his woodshop to build Pinewood Derby cars for Boy Scouts, and I asked him if he’d be willing to teach me to build guitars. He said “Nope, but I’ll teach you to build a jewelry box.” So I learned the essentials of fine woodworking and eventually twisted his arm into letting me use his shop to build my first instrument.
On being an accidental graphic designer: All throughout high school, I’d entertain myself by doodling alternate logos for all my favorite bands. You’d often find an elaborate Slayer logo on the back of my math tests. I would always design the logos for the bands I was in, but didn’t think much of offering my talents to other bands. Then one day my friend Ricky asked me to design his band’s logo and even offered to pay! I was over the moon - I started advertising my services and eventually built up a decent market for my work. It's been awesome seeing my logos on tour posters and merch designs over the years.
On finding inspiration: I try to pull inspiration from a wide range of sources. I think art only gets better when you pull in techniques, aesthetics, and theory from other mediums. For instance, I try to incorporate a lot of architectural and abstract sculptural influence into my guitar designs. My graphic design approach for band logos is largely informed by gothic illuminations as well as elements from science fiction, fantasy, and horror media.
On creating art: Don’t let perfect get in the way of good. Get in there and make a mess, art is worth doing on its own merits.Don’t spend your time thinking about doing art, spend your time DOING art!
For more of Nick’s work, visit @prophecyinstruments on Facebook and Instagram and @prophecydesigns on Facebook. ProphecyInstruments.com coming soon!