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

Hi Niek, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I felt like I was making enough money to start taking it more seriously. I had been doing design on the side as a hobby that I occasionally got paid for and eventually I figured out that it could be my main source of income while studying, if I approached it appropriately.

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.
I like to believe that where I’m at today is, like I mentioned before, because of all the support that I’ve gotten along the way, but also just because I have been working very hard. If you’re truly passionate about something, you’re able to spend a shit ton of time and energy on it. And I feel like for me, that’s the case with art. Whether it’s painting, drawing, designing, doing collage stuff – I love to create and will always have a drive to express. And I think it’s especially that drive, that has gotten me to where I am today. There have definitely been challenges along the way, but that’s only natural. Again, if you’re truly passionate about something, there isn’t really a lot that can stop you from doing your thing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m from a pretty small city in a pretty small country so I’m not sure I’m the best person to be showing people around, but the first thing that comes to mind is Amsterdam. It’s such a dope city – there’s so much to see there and it just has this special feeling about it whenever I’m there. Good places to eat, drink, smoke, party – all that.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve always had amazing, supportive people around me. Whether that’s friends, family, even ex-girlfriends – people that are interested in my work and will keep it real with me. I am very much aware that this is not a given and am super thankful for having these people around me. Aside from that, I’m very lucky to have people interacting with and sharing my work online. It helps a great deal and it’s been definitive for a lot of my successes.

Website: www.nt17studios.com

Instagram: @nt17studios

Twitter: @nt17studios

Image Credits
Jimmy Kimmel Live!

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