About Nicole Hanusek

Bio

When I was growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I lived with my mom, my aunt, and my grandfather. My grandfather was an alcoholic. He wasn't physically abusive, but he was often emotionally abusive.

To escape abusive situations, I would make art. I started drawing mermaids at a really young age, and I drew other fantasy creatures through high school. Creativity was one of the few things that I had control over, and I would become totally absorbed in little worlds of fantasy creatures, which made me feel safe.

I eventually went to art school, where I majored in Illustration, although my career has been in web design. I started my own company in 2008. I never gave up on art and recently decided that it needs to take priority in my life.

I finally found my style and inspiration, creating colorful sea creatures, animals, and abstract paintings.

I live in San Francisco with my husband and two dogs.