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If you have a degree in what field is it? I don't have a degree. I studied Art at the University of Utah for 3 years with an emphasis in Sculpture.

Have you always been able to draw or was it a skill you learned in college? After working at an advertising agency, I was hired by Microsoft as a Web designer and eventually became an art director, marketing high-tech video games and managing the art direction for Xbox.com. Everything was 3-D rendered and highly polished. All our marketing efforts were extremely strategic. In that kind of hyper-corporate environment, where ROI is king, finding a way to measure a campaign's success is extremely important. We ran usability tests, held focus groups, reviewed eye tracking studies, analyzed statistics, tracked youth macro/micro trends, and much more. It was all very interesting. But still, I felt we put far too much emphasis on things that were easy to measure, and not enough on things that were less calculable and more intuitive (that live on the subconscious level).

And so, in response to this deliberate environment, I launched my own zine, Hola Amiga, about doing exactly what I wanted—for some or absolutely no concrete reason at all. And it was about not having to explain why I did what I chose to do. It was about nurturing and exploring the subconscious realm, all in a very low tech way.

What was your first paid assignment? The first "paying job" wasn't actually a paying job...it was more of a trading job. I wanted to snowboard in college, but I was completely broke. I thought, How can I get a snowboard? What could I provide a snowboard company with in exchange for a snowboard? ART! So mailed a few snowboard companies with examples of my work and asked if any of them would be willing to trade art for snowboard gear. Finally, one said, "Yes" and I was off.

Which illustrator (or fine artist) do you most admire? The fine artist Andy Goldsworthy. I love how he plays with nature. He appreciates what's around him; if you pay attention, nature has the best inventions.

What would you be doing if you weren't an illustrator? I would be an inventor. And probably will be one someday.

From where do your best ideas originate? The best ideas are drawn from your experiences. It's important to keep your subconscious well fed with information, history, nature, music, friends, family, conversations, emotions, physical activity, good food. One day all the info will enter the conscious mind in the form of a unique idea

How do you overcome a creative block? I take a walk, listen to music, go running, do ju jitsu, hang out with a friend, play with my son, wife or dog, watch a movie, ride a bus, take a subway, relax, read the paper, have a coffee, do something uncreative, water the plants. Usually when I'm done, I have plenty of ideas. If not, at least my plants are watered.

In one word describe how you feel when beginning a new assignment? Energized!

Do you have a personal philosophy? To appreciate what's around me, keep learning, be happy, stay healthy, contribute something positive, create things that inspire people and make them feel good, curious and motivated.

Do you have creative pursuits other than illustration? Brazilian Ju Jitsu/Sambo, comedy, programming, music, animation.

What music are you listening to right now? A song with whistling...I don't know who it is, but I'm whistling too.

What's your favorite quote? Stephen Wright's, "I intend to live forever. So far, so good."

Do you have any advice for people just entering the profession? Yep. It's right here.

What's one thing you wish you knew when you started your career? Nothing. I sort of like the way things have gone.

Nate Williams, a successful artist, illustrator and designer has worked with a wide variety of clients in various facets of the illustration industry. Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nate left the U.S. four years ago to travel and learn Spanish in South and Central America. Geared to both adults and children, his graphic illustrations come alive in a vivid, exciting world of his own creation. Layers of organic shapes, ethnic references, intricate decorative elements, hand drawn type and unique characters combine to create rich, engaging imagery. In addition to his illustration and fine art work Nate conceived, designed, launched and maintains the successful illustration community portal, IllustrationMundo.
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