Nancy Pappas Interview
Nancy is known for her colorful illustrations with the personality and hair to match.
Nancy's heart is as beautiful as her artistic vision. I’ve recently learned about her talent and amazing projects she’s done already, but there’s much more to come. Enjoy the thoughtful answers and read more about where to see her work. Photos and artwork provided by Nancy Pappas.
What's been your favorite purchase so far this year? Why?
I’m not a big shopper for myself, so my favorite recent purchase is my ticket to the Redwoods in Crescent City, CA, for a family holiday next month. I spend most of my money on travel and food! Oh, and I also buy a ton of plants—I usually have to restrain myself from indulging my green thumb.
What do you like to wear? Why?
I love wearing a variety of different styles and pieces, but ultimately, I fall back on comfortable yet classic options. I love a good pair of slacks. In the colder months, I wear a lot of black like every other New Yorker, and in the warmer months, I opt for linens and light, white colors. Since moving to NYC almost a decade ago, my style has really shifted towards casual chic comfort.
What is a current project you’re working on?
So many rewarding things are happening! I am currently working on my second solo art show at AHL Foundation, a New York-based non-profit dedicated to supporting artists of Korean heritage and fostering the growth of Korean art in the US. The show opens on June 15th (details here), and it will showcase work that reflects my Midwest upbringing and my New York and South Korea adoption identity. I hope you all can make it!
I am also developing a website landing page for CIDA, a non-profit organization that increases equity and inclusion opportunities for children and families with exceptional needs, including disabilities, language and cultural barriers, and socioeconomic challenges. CIDA has grown to be one of the largest Asian-American networks of families, professionals, and community partners.
Additionally, I am working on murals for Banh By Lauren (Opening soon!), Saigon Social and Stick With Me Sweets.
I am also illustrating the legendary Dorie Greenspan’s next cookbook, branding my friend’s new Dumpling Restaurant in Paris, planning the next Food x Art show with Chefs For Impact, working on merchandise for Fan Fan Doughnuts, and doing ongoing design work for Material Kitchen!
In between these projects, I try to squeeze in some personal endeavors, such as updating my online shop with new prints—coming soon! I am also tackling restaurant mandatory posters that I plan to share on my website within the next couple of months.
What does your day look like?
I wake up fairly early—I've always been an early bird—and get my coffee going before promptly plopping down at my laptop and iPad to illustrate and design. It's not very exciting. However, when I'm working on murals, I'm back and forth between the sites, painting my little heart out! And with the freedom of freelance, I try to carve out time for volunteering with Heart of Dinner, a New York-based non-profit addressing food insecurity and loneliness among Asian elders in under-resourced communities. I also enjoy nurturing my friendships and relationships, whether it's attending workshops like Rice Blossom’s Korean Dessert workshop or simply spending quality time with my friends and partner.
What is the best thing about what you do?
As a freelance designer and illustrator, the best aspects of my work are the personal and creative freedom it affords me. I love being able to pick and choose my projects and clients, which has given me a great sense of independence and creative autonomy. I have built a robust and thoughtful clientele, mostly consisting of Asian American-owned, women-owned, and operated companies. The best part is that the majority of them are dear friends! Working with friends and providing creative assistance to their visions and missions is incredibly fulfilling.
Where can we find/follow you?
You can find me on Instagram @nkpcreate! It's the most comprehensive showcase of my design and illustration work, offering glimpses into my creative process, travels, and food adventures. I have a website where you can find my illustration prints, or in person at The Little One in Chinatown, NY, Parchment Paper in Los Angeles and have designs on Tattly!
Come see me on June 15th at my AHL Foundation art show from 2-4pm!