This Just In-spiration: Meet Nils Wessell

Our makers never fail to motivate us, encourage our creativity, and fill us with inspiration. So, when a new design enters our assortment, we’re always excited to learn more about the person behind the product.

What gets an artist going and keeps them creating is certainly worth sharing, and every great connection starts with a simple introduction. Meet Nils Wessell, the maker behind our new Tablet Holding Cutting Board.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
Always. It’s just what I did, even before I could walk. To an extent, I think we’re all this way. Being creative is a core part of being a human.

What was the most exciting thing about becoming a professional artist?
Getting the opportunity to meet so many other creative people in my field and getting to collaborate with them.

What does your typical day in the studio look like?
I like to keep a schedule. I show up at 9 and stay until at least 5. What I do is always changing with the demands of the business. Sometimes, it is a full day of creating, other days I am communicating with clients in the morning and designing in the afternoon.

Is there a trinket, talisman, or other inspirational object you keep near? If so, what is it and what does it mean to you?
I keep a lot of old artwork – from friends, little kids I knew, other artists. I like to use them as extensions of my memory. The other “object” I need to inspire me is empty space. I need a place where there’s only air. It helps calm my mind and gets my imagination going.

Imagine you just showed your work to a kindergartener for the first time. What do you think he/she would say?
“It’s so smooth!” or “Did you make it?” Followed by “How?”

What quote or mantra keeps you motivated?
Thinking about my next steps. I’m always excited about what is to come, and where to go from where I am. I’m very “future minded,” for lack of a better term. I have so many projects that I want to do and make. The list is staggering!