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About the Studio

Bio

Nicki Youngsma is an illustrator specializing in watercolor and ink. With over twenty years’ experience in the visual arts, she finds rough sketches more exciting than tight, polished work, and her practice roams the world of animals. Surprise and discovery are core drivers of her practice, allowing for the vivid, dynamic textures are a key feature of her style.

Nicki is also a writer, and her service work includes stewarding educational nonprofits and raising young people. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. Learn more at nickiyoungsma.com.

Note on Process & Materials

Nicki does NOT use artificial intelligence (AI) to create artwork. All images are made with graphite, natural-based watercolor pigments, and water-soluble inks. She uses cold-pressed watercolor paper, brushes, pencils, and pens, employing a variety of watercolor techniques.

Nicki primarily uses natural watercolor pigments from Beam Paints, an Indigenous-owned and female-led paint company that uses plastic-free packaging.

Other things Nicki’s done