Meet Nadajia Hall | Artist, Airbrush artist, Human and anatomy art, Graffiti Artist

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

Hi Nadajia, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with the idea for my business in the year 2015 when I attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia. Everything was going well until all of the students received an email stating that the school was going to close down for good. I thought that my art career was over. But then I remembered the promise I made to my mom before she passed away; I will have my own art gallery no matter what. My mom loved it when my dad used to airbrush, and the fact that she meant so much to me I created a name; NS2*ART. Nadajia (my name), Shawn (my mothers’ name), 2 meaning both of us together. I have been through so much when I was younger, but no matter what the situation was my mom always made it feel like a pallet of different vibrant colors. No matter how hard things may get, colors always seem to cheer me up.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I know that it may seem weird but colors speak to me. When I finish any canvas, I want you to be able to understand that conversation. My art is different because I do not follow the rules when it comes to shading or blending. Art should be different no matter what, but people tend to lose focus when a line isn’t straight enough or if the color isn’t bright. Before I started getting into painting, my dad taught me how to airbrush. My dad was one of those teachers that broke everything down to you. Before I could start airbrushing a t-shirt he made sure that I knew how to take it apart, clean and put it back together with no problems. At first, I would get mad, but as I get older I realized that if you want to become any type of artist, you have to know what you are working with! Over the years, different ideas would come to me so fast that I had to sit back and sketch them out. Before I attend the AIP (Art Institute of Philadelphia) I did not know how to draw the human body; So I can actually say that in the few years I was there I learned how to draw and admire the human body. When I attended those classes I always felt like I was in a competition when in reality we had to work together. It was very hard for me to have conversations with my classmates but most of them were in their own world, a world that only their art existed. To not feel alone, I will imagine my mom sitting next to me while I shared to her my ideas for the next canvas. I want the world and younger artitst to know that their art matters! Never feel discouraged when something doesn’t come out the way you want it; if that is the case, then sit back, relax and go back to it tomorrow! It does get hard, but staying consistent is key. I do have my moments when I do not get a sale, but I have to keep telling myself that when a person is able to understand the conversations between me and the colors then it is meant to be theirs. Be different, be you, have fun, and do not let anyone hold you back from your goals, no matter what!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The city of brotherly love has the most inspiring wall art. Not only do they tell a story, but they also bring life to the city. Whenever I need to take a mini trip to get my head back in order, I’ll catch a train in Absecon NJ, and head to Lindonwoold to catch the Patco subway all the way to 15th/16th locust St. There are tons of morals everywhere that are so vibrant to look at while you are on your way to center city. If you love to go to a quiet place but still get an eyeful of art, highly recommend the Art Museum: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130. From Graffiti to beautiful sculptures from the early 1600s.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This queen is so talented when it comes to recreating a memory on a canvas. I met her almost 1 year ago on social media and we have been friends since! Her style of art simply takes your breath away. She is also a tattoo artist out in Chicago, Illinois on top of doing commission pieces on a canvas. Her energy is so beautiful that if you look at her works of art before you met her, you will know that she has a heart full of gold. She is so talented that she makes healing jewelry as well. Honestly speaking, not everyone can make healing jewelry, but this queen takes her time in creating the perfect crystal healing bracelets! Her name is Grand, and her social media is IG @grands_art

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NS2CreativePlanet
Instagram: @philly_art_queen & @ns2_art