Artist Profile: Hannah Nelson
Hannah Nelson is the artist behind A Few Good Things—an experimental art and lifestyle brand selling a variety of paper goods, accessories and decor inspired by dreams, books, nature and food.
1) Share how you've found ways to earn an income using your artistic talents.
During my last semester of school at Columbia College Chicago, I took a required design management class where we were tasked with developing our own businesses. Knowing I didn't want to go into the corporate design world, I built A Few Good Things—my little art business—and debuted it at my senior showcase (which took place on May 11th, 2018). Since then I have bounced around, running AFGT full-time for some periods; part-time for others. For a while I made woven tapestries, watercolor pieces and polymer clay earrings. Now I have kind of settled (for the time being) on illustrated art prints, cards and zines. At this point I have found a nice balance between taking on some small freelance design projects here and there, in addition to runbing A Few Good Things by selling art and other fun merch I have illustrated and designed either online; on consignment in a few small brick and mortar stores; and/or at craft markets. There have been many ways I’ve made small amounts of income via other creative roles and platforms. But creating, and then personally, selling my own work is the most rewarding. Plus the payoff feels much more tangible.
2) Explain 1-2 collaborations you've fostered with other local creativepreneurs.
In early 2021, I worked with my friend Dominique Goranson (the owner of Itty Bitty Bookstore) to create “The Ally's Guide for Courageous Conversations on Racial Equity.” Dominique had written this little book, then asked if I could illustrate it—helping to create a fun and colorful guide that matched the cute, whimsical vibe of Itty Bitty Bookstore. Not only was it wonderful getting to work on such a fun project with a friend, but it was an honor to take part in the creation of something so meaningful and powerful. It also reminded me how much I love publication design—something I originally discovered in college. And was almost the catalyst for the zines I have been creating in 2022.
3) What is your favorite type of art to create. Does it differ from your fave type of art to be a consumer of?
I love illustration. So my favorite thing to create is anything I can put an illustration on. This year I have gotten into making zines, which almost feels like a special calling. I also love to read—my 2022 reading goal is 100 books. And I am currently reading book #40. So it totally makes sense that I would be creating my own little books.
4) Please share 2 to 3 types of art or specific artists you wish people were more aware of.
I know I've already mentioned zines, but I'm in a bit of an obsessive phase right now. I wish zines were something people were more aware of. I took part in Print and Resist this Spring, and it truly felt like I was home. Not only was it my best craft market EVER, but everyone I talked to that day was so encouraging. All the artists were amazing, kind and passionate; it was just an all around lovely day. At my normal craft markets though, people won't even take a second glance at my zines. So few people know about them. Therefore, they aren't as interested in supporting zine makers.
I have been following chef and creator Sophia Roe on Instagram for awhile. She's not exactly unknown, but I also don't think she's super mainstream. I'm very inspired by food, and seriously, every single thing she posts on Instagram has me wanting to create something. She loves mushrooms—as do I—and she creates these gorgeous dishes that truly look too good to eat. She shares a lot about feelings and trauma too…I think a lot of people forget that cooking and baking is an art form and comes with all the same love, pain and feelings that poetry, painting and basically all other art forms come with. The feel her personality and creations give off is just so inspiring.
Going back to my love of reading, I also want to share an author/musician who I have been really inspired by lately. Last year Michelle Zauner released the memoir "Crying in H Mart”. I love fiction, so I don't always jump at the opportunity to read nonfiction, but this book was on my radar, mainly because of the attractive food illustration on the cover. After the Grammys, I realized the author was also the musician behind Japanese Breakfast, an artist I've been enjoying lately. So even though I finished the book over a month ago, I CANNOT stop thinking about the book, Michelle's story, and the music that came from it.