Nick, Tracey & Dale are back from their summer-long hiatus to discuss the whirlwind of these last few months. From the excitement of meeting wild deer (and even wilder robots) in Japan, to the devestation brought on by the Maui fires and the surprising challenges that come with fundraising, this episode is a candid catch up between the guys packed with unsolicited advice. Nick shares tips they learned first hand in raising money for Maui Relief efforts, and one thing they started doing that has been a huge help for their retail partners. We're stoked to be back, friends!

Recorded at Nick Kuchar Art & Design in beautiful Kailua town, Hawai'i.  

For Nick's work, paddle on over to www.NickKuchar.com or join the party wave on Instagram at www.instagram.com/NickKuchar

Hailing from the streets of Yokohama, Japan (which might explain some of the audio quality, sorry) Nick sits down with several of his friends and fellow artists for this special Green Room Festival edition of Secondary Colors! Nick chats mastering the freelance life and giving back to the Pacific Islander community with Shar Tuiasoa AKA Punky Aloha (https://punkyaloha.com), to unlocking the cheat code for being creative more often with Matt Allen (https://mattallen.com) & Jonas Claesson (https://jonasclaesson.com). Plus, the return of Christie Shinn (https://shinnstudio.com) AKA "Auntie Crispy" who sheds some light on getting to know your market and adjusting business accordingly. It's a star-studded affair, folks. Listen now!

Edited @ Nick Kuchar Art & Design Co. (https://instagram.com/NickKuchar) in beautiful Kailua town. Shop the new "Secret Spot" Collection with Hurley now on www.nickkuchar.com

What’s going to take your art business to the next level? Brittney Heyd of Hawaii’s Mana Up (https://manauphawaii.com) joins Nick, Tracey & Dale to share tips and advice on how to do just that! From ways to begin your art business journey, to the importance of telling your personal story and creating a narrative behind everything you sell - Brittany and the guys discuss it all. Plus, new prints and clothing headed your way this month on www.nickkuchar.com. Wrap your ears around episode 26 of Secondary Colors with Nick Kuchar & Friends, friends!

Recorded in the Nick Kuchar Art & Design Shop in beautiful Kailua town.

Pricing our work can be one of the most difficult things in our daily process...it doesn't have to be!  Take advice from Nick & Jaz's about becoming a confident freelancer in this conversation geared toward empowering creatives.  Jaz offers a free pricing calculator on her website & encourages our listeners to know their worth. She also gives tips on how to move their business forward.  The duo discuss drafting up a contract, getting your project off on the right foot and getting yourself in a mindset for growth. It's time for episode 25!

Jaz on insta @yourpricingqueen

More about Jaz and a free pricing calculator available at  www.creativebusinesskitchen.com

Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai‘i. 

Creator of TheVectorLab, Designer Ray Dombroski joins Nick, Tracey & Dale for episode 24! Ray's extensive background in the surf apparel industry started in 2002. Since then he has designed for many top brands in California and Hawaii, such as Quiksilver, O'Neill, Billabong, Rip Curl, Ocean Pacific and Local Motion. He shares his successes and hardships that lead him to finally establishing The Vector Lab website that offers design elements, graphic design resources, tools, and tutorials. As a fellow Florida State University student, Ray and Nick remininsce about the good ol' days, Tracey daydreams of nostalgic skateboard decks while Dale packs his bags for Japan.  Thanks for joining us for two dozen episodes!

Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai‘i. 

Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)

Freelance Artist and Designer Matthew Tapia (www.instagram.com/MatthewTapia) joins Nick, Tracey and Dale for episode 23! From his large scale work including the iconic "Wish You Were Here" at the Surfjack hotel pool to his role on the team for MLB's Cleveland Guardians rename and a variety of branding & lettering projects in-between, Matt shares what he's learned in the many steps along the road to freelance life and how clear communication can make or break any relationship. Nick & Tracey discuss the many challenges of any hiring process (we're hiring, by the way: www.NickKuchar.com for more details) and how to change up your approach to new hires. Listen now, friends!

The guys ring in the new year with Hawai‘i-based graffiti artist Melon James! Melon shares his personal story of his gang-filled past in the streets of Chicago, to life in the military and his eventual new beginnings on the isle of O‘ahu. Weaving perseverance and artistic skill, his inspirational journey has turned a strong passion for graffiti and art into a successful career. Nick, Tracey & Dale chat goals for 2023 and play a 'new' game with our guest. Happy New Episode, everybody!

Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai‘i. 

Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!

Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)

Tis the Season to be ... Podcasting! Nick, Tracey & Dale look back at the last 20 episodes of Secondary Colors and share their favorite moments from all the guests and good times that they've shared.  We cover everything from crafting a great portfolio to show your clients (with Noa Emberson) and how to handle hard challenges and make difficult decisions (with career coach Maria Brophy and Juneshine founder Forrest Dein).  We also take a listen to a clip of Matt and Roxy Ortiz of Wooden Wave discussing how they work together as spouses, artists and parents.  The team touches on the importance of saying Yes (and No) to the right projects with artist Erik Abel, too. The holidays are always a great time to reflect and be thankful so the guys do just that while giving some Behind the Scenes looks at previous episodes. We are so thankful for our listeners and look forward to all the good times ahead for 2023. Mahalo and Happy Holidays everybody!

Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!

Photographer Asia Brynne joins us for episode 20 to give her advice on being a successful commercial photographer. She talks diversifying your business and navigating the fine line of work you're passionate about with work you can make a living off of. Asia also provides practical tips for shoot day and the gang all chats about crafting your dream career through the winding road of entrepreneurship. Nick and Dale take a deep dive into how to answer media interview questions, Black Friday marketing and how it applies to your art business ... and if you like drone flying horror stories, this one's for you! 

Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!

Artist Jonas Claesson joins the guys to share words of wisdom on how to get helpful direction and quick feedback from your clients (from the initial design brief!) to revision stages and presenting the finished product. They talk ways to avoid creative burnout and the amazingly coined feat of learning how to “fail forward.” Even Jonas’ worst fail ever comes with practical advice you can take and apply today to avoid it yourself. Nick and the Australia-based guest discuss their upcoming NFT releases while Tracey shares his advice on communication with your team and vendors. PLUS the most epic of showdowns - THE Australia vs. Sweden World Championships! What? That's right, it's episode 19, friends!

Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!