Meet Nicole Carmody | Artist & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Carmody and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative and artistic career because it feels like the path life naturally led me to. Creating art and designs has come naturally to me since I was four years old. Throughout grade school, I was always doodling and filling notebooks with drawings. I struggled academically at times, but art became my escape and a way to express myself.

In my early twenties, I had a difficult time figuring out what direction I wanted to take in life. I took college classes, changed majors, and worked various retail jobs, but I ultimately didn’t complete my degree. During that time, I experienced tragic life events that forced me to step back and realize that my life would never follow a traditional or “normal” path.

In 2018, I spontaneously created the Nicole Carmody Art & Design Instagram account, without knowing where it would lead. Soon after, people in Los Angeles and Hollywood began reaching out and inviting me to showcase my work at their events. While continuing to create and grow as an artist, I also worked as a swim instructor at the YMCA. It was a fun and rewarding experience, but when COVID happened, I was forced to step away from that job.

Even then, I didn’t stop creating. I continued making art, taking commissions, and building connections within the art community. In 2024, my creative career began gaining significant recognition. The Gallery of Hermosa has featured my work in every group art show since May 2024, and in November 2024 I opened my shop, Evil Eye Design Inc, located at Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles.

Today, my work continues to evolve, driven by the same passion for creativity that started when I was a child.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art stands apart through bold lines and vibrant color. It isn’t traditional or conventional—it’s deeply personal. Each piece reflects my life, the struggles I’ve overcome, and the culture that shaped me, especially the energy and influence of the ’90s millennial era. Along the way, I’ve learned not to let negativity define my path. Instead, I keep moving forward and stay committed to my dreams. Through my work, I hope people feel the impact of bold, beautiful art that has the power to brighten and transform the world around us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Overall I am a beach goer, and easy going kind of tour guide. If my best friend were visiting the South Bay/Los Angeles area, I would take them to all of the beaches. Including Torrance, Redondo, Hermosa, Manhattan, El Porto, and Long Beach. We would eat tacos and burritos at LBJs aka El Burrito Jr., take it to go and eat at one of the beaches listed above I recommend visiting. Also, Santa Monica Pier is a fun place to visit. Honestly, the diverse population in the South Bay/Los Angeles area is what makes my city great. We’re all different. Everyone has a story to share, along with ideas about music and art.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give a shout out to my son, family, friends, my boyfriend, Kimie Joe – the owner of the Gallery of Hermosa, the South Bay art community & my Crafted family. I am thankful and grateful for all of their support!

Website: https://www.evileyedesigninc-shop.com

Instagram: @evileye_designinc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@evileye_designinc