Meet Nile Yang | Artist, Model and Photographer

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

Hi Nile, is there something you believe many others might not?
One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is when people tell me and other creatives to do art on the side. This is the one piece of advice most people give that not only do I wholeheartedly disagree with, but it actually bothers me a lot. Although it may come from a caring place, it’s often said in a very condescending and diminishing manner that can result in discouraging good artists. It’s always “you should get a real job and do your little thing on the side” with no regard for what that “real job” would be, how much it pays, or in what significant ways it interferes with your life and creative process.

Well, my response to people that tell me to get a real job will always be: first of all, I do have a job, one that’s harder than any other I’ve ever had but also a million times more fulfilling; secondly, what I do is not, in any way, “little”.

This was a hard one for me to learn because for the longest time, even after obtaining a degree from a renowned art school, I still felt like I needed to do what I was “supposed” to and that being an artist wasn’t “realistic” or “sustainable”. Finding ways to afford basic necessities like food and shelter is HARD, not to mention the costs of running a business. That being said, it’s not at all impossible and, time is money! After attempting to juggle several jobs (including a full time retail management position) along with my art, I found that I was giving away far too much of myself, my time, and energy working to make other people’s dreams come true. All while dismissing my own passions due to lack of time or energy, which in turn only ended up affecting my mental health. Although being an entrepreneur can seem much more uncertain, at the end of the day, I still make my money and, most importantly, I feel much more fulfilled with my work than I ever have in any job I’ve had. Now, I absolutely refuse to wake up and choose misery; I get to wake up every single day to do what I love and that means everything.

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?
If my bestie came to visit for a week the first place I’d take them to would probably be Piedmont Park, I really enjoy having picnics there and watching the sunset while I work on my art. I’d also make sure to grab some lunch and smoothies from Sean’s Heart of the Park and show them the Atlanta Botanical Gardens while we’re there. Start off the next day with some brunch at Urban Grind and go for a drive around the city, taking pictures and appreciating all the awesome street art. After that, we’d head over to the High Museum to appreciate some more art, grab some coffee and dinner at Colony Square, then take a walk around Midtown and enjoy the night scene. On the third day, I’d take them out of the perimeter; we’d start with breakfast at Douceur de France in Marietta, then check out some of my favorite local spots, like the Marietta Square, The Battery, and Cultivation Brewing in Norcross. For the fourth day, I would take them to Little Five Points where we’d have a chance to support great local businesses and stop by The Vortex for dinner and some interesting drinks. On the fifth day we would relax by the river at Roswell Mill, grab some great Mexican food and to-go margaritas from Mama’s Cocina Latina, and then head home for a chill night in. For the last 2 days we would ride scooters on the Beltline and find some local artist markets to support. We’d also stop by Ponce City Market and spend our last night together playing some fun games at the Skyline Park. Lastly, if we have the extra funds, I would take them to the Georgia Aquarium as a treat and have lunch at The Works before they have to leave.

Website: nileyang.com

Instagram: @nileyang, @nileboheme

Twitter: @nile_yang, @nileboheme

Facebook: facebook.com/nileboheme, facebook.com/nileyangphotographics

Image Credits
Nile Yang