Artist Spotlight: Nell Valle
Artist Spotlight: Nell Valle aka NellBell
Meet Nell Valle, a Chinese-American illustrator based in Boston. Nell specializes in the big and small: public art and comics. She is known for her cute characters, bright colors, and bold, fun lines. Nell graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a BFA in illustration and a minor in creative writing. She also has experience in art gallery installation and art instruction.
Minni is so thrilled to be collaborating with Nell on an upcoming Valentine Comic Zine Workshop where little artists ages 4 to 10 will bring characters to life with a valentine twist! Artists will be guided by Nell through the process of storytelling and paneling to create their own colorful Valentine's Day inspired mini-comics. Each participant will delight in the transformation of simple white boxes into colorful, suspenseful and visual stories.
With our upcoming workshop on the horizon, we wanted to introduce our Minni community to Nell, her colorful and playful creations, and share some interesting facts! We hope you will read on to learn more about Nell, or come meet in person at our Valentine Comic Zine Workshop on Sunday, February 4th from 10:30am–12:00pm
What inspired you to become an illustrator?
I was inspired to become an illustrator during my freshman year in college. I had to choose a major and I felt that illustration was broad enough that I could really have fun trying different things. I’ve been drawing since I was a toddler but It was until high school that I began to take art more seriously. Thank you to all my teachers, professors, mentors, and art friends!
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Kind, Positive, and Gritty.
You have such colorful pieces, where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from what feels fun. I love Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, Keroppi, Gudetama and more. Stepping away from realism and into a world of emphasized color, bold shapes and lines is what excites me. I like making funny faces and bringing joy to people. Bright colors are a must.
Was there ever a moment when you were stuck creatively? How'd you work through that?
I was stuck creatively when I kept narrowing my opportunities to one route of illustration. When I first began, all I wanted to be was a children’s book illustrator. The more I tried, the more walls I kept hitting. I think when I kept an open mind and explored other creative paths, I was able to gain momentum and work. Experimentation and involving play in creation is vital. Murals are surprisingly very new to me and I love them. Also, I started to self-publish online. My Silly Pigs Webtoons comic had actually earned me work with larger publishers. This comic follows my five guinea pigs in their day-to-day.
Do you have a favorite project of yours?
It’s hard, I can’t choose a favorite but I do have a special place in my heart for my first two murals. Tigers Hotpot Together was a window mural a part of Pao Arts Center’s Experience Chinatown 2022. It was what led me to my public art work. Thank you Ashley Young for believing in me! I also loved working with Zone 3 and the Allston-Brighton community on the community sketchbook mural: Plant Goddess. We were able to paint a 200 foot wall all in one day. I’m really thankful for working with leading mural artist Tianna Rivera and our supervisor Jenny Nguyen.
How do you encourage children to start exploring illustration?
I encourage children to explore illustration through looking around in their world and ask themselves what is art. Many times we don’t see the art and design that is in our everyday life. I think practice is the most important thing. Look at the art in books, movies and games that you’re drawn to and learn from them first. From there, branch out and see what you can create on your own. Practice makes better!
What's next for Nell Valle? Anything exciting in the works that you can share?
I am also asking myself this same question. I am hoping to start more creative projects both public arts and comics. I think I’m at a point where I want to begin the story- brainstorming process for a graphic novel. One of my big dream goals.
What made you want to collaborate with Minni?
I wanted to collaborate with Minni because of the community. I’ve heard such great things about the workshops and art making. I love Valentine's day and I feel that comics zine would be such a fun way to celebrate with everyone. Thank you so much for having me!
Which other artists do you admire and why?
There are so many artists that inspire me. Right away Charles Schulz who created Peanuts, E.H. Shepard who created Winnie the Pooh, Beatrix Potter who created Peter Rabbit, all the Sanrio characters and Freelance illustrator Sha'an d'Anthes. I also am greatly inspired by the artists a part of Lily Lane: an artist directory started by Katie Charpentier and myself with emphasis to uplift emerging and diverse artists.
