Holly Nichols
What began as a love for sketching evolved into a global career celebrating the beauty and individuality of women. In this conversation, fashion illustrator Holly Nichols shares how she built a thriving creative business (H. Nichols Illustration), the moments that shaped her signature style, and the enduring power of art to inspire connection in a digital world.
can you tell us a bit about yourself and your work?
My name is Holly Nichols Sosa. I am a Fashion Illustrator based on the northern coast of Massachusetts. I’ve been running “H. Nichols Illustration” since 2013.
“My work focuses on fashion-inspired illustrations and chic doodles.”
I stumbled into my work accidentally after a few posts went viral way back in 2013 and I’ve been riding the ups and downs of a social media–centric business since!
What first drew you to fashion illustration, and when did you realize it could be more than a passion?
I’ve always been attracted to illustrative styles of art, beginning as a youth artist, but stumbled upon the art of fashion illustration in my undergraduate Fine Arts studies in college. I studied Interior Design my freshman year (I’d later switch my major to Studio Arts), and in taking an interior rendering class, I discovered how much I loved figuring out how to depict different textiles and surfaces with 2D sketching. I would use the same tools (Copic Markers) to practice this textile rendering technique, and would illustrate my friends’ dream wedding gowns for them. My professor noticed my love for this type of art and introduced me formally to the Art of Fashion Illustration. I went on as a Studio Art Major to dive into everything illustration, exploring it in my work, studies, and senior thesis.
When you sit down to illustrate, how do you approach that first blank page? Is it more about planning or instinct?
I typically start with a theme, and I love to make it a challenge. For example, I think “How would I depict an espresso martini as a dress?”. From there I think about pose. “Should it be fun? Flirty? Poised? Confident?”. Once I nail the pose I sketch the shape of the garment, and go on to full color rendering.
“A lot of the process is instinctual—I find the best ideas come when I let myself play and discover along the way.”
How do different tools and mediums shape the way you capture a subject?
Markers and paper are still my foundation, because I love the challenge of recreating textures with simple tools. I do love to incorporate 3D elements like rhinestones, glitter, sometimes makeup, and more, where I am inspired to. I end up using A LOT of glitter around the holidays.
How do you translate something intangible like mood, atmosphere, and movement into your drawings?
Since most of my subjects are people, I can capture mood very easily through facial expressions. My color palettes change quite a bit from season to season. In November and December, I find myself refilling my red marker constantly, and in the spring, I’m refilling my pastels a lot.
“I’m inspired a lot by dance, which I use to inform my movement and poses.”
Even if the subject isn’t a ballerina, I often think how a dancer would carry themselves and I try my best to depict that in a sketch.
Your travels and collaborations often bring you to inspiring places. How has being in destinations like Hamilton Princess influenced your work?
I am so grateful that the Hamilton Princess* chooses to celebrate artists so highly, and it’s been such a pleasure returning to their artist in residency program year after year.
“Bermuda is such a happy place with vibrant colors everywhere.”
It’s a joy to lean into color and expression while there. I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Princess at many different times of the year, so it’s been fun to capture everything from Cup Match in the summer months, to the Boat Parade in the harbor during the holidays.
*Editor’s Note: A Persephone Social Client!
During your stays, you’ve created illustrations that feel uniquely tied to the hotel. Do you find that a place can change the way you see or draw fashion?
Oh certainly. The Princess specifically has this beautiful symmetry and “Slim Aarons” vibe that I really love to lean into with my art while there.
“The signature pink is such a lovely backdrop—it instantly sets a mood.”
I find that the architecture, the colors, and even the light around the property influence how I draw. I love the golden hour in the harborview rooms. The women I illustrate there tend to have a more retro, preppy feel, like they’ve stepped right into a sun–soaked vacation scene.
This December, you’re unveiling a holiday ornament collaboration with Hamilton Princess. What inspired the vision behind these pieces?
“I am so excited about this seasonal collaboration!”
For this ornament, we returned back to the theme of my first illustration at the princess which hangs in a hallway in the lobby, “The Scooter Girl”. For the ornament, I recreated the signature scooter girl with a holiday twist, framing the scene with a moongate. We’re very excited to reveal her.
How do you weave emotions like a sense of celebration into something as small and symbolic as an ornament?
I always love bringing a little piece of my travels home with me wherever I go to remind me of the feeling of escape, and ornaments are my favorite way to do that. I wanted to create that same feeling for visitors of Bermuda:
“something small but meaningful that captures the joy of the island.”
There’s something special about a family Christmas tree with hundreds of collected ornaments from over the years that tell a story.
Your career started in part through Instagram, but you’ve built beyond it. How do you balance creating for yourself with creating for such a large audience?
It’s been quite a ride. I started on Instagram and had to pivot and learn video formats when TikTok became popular during COVID. Prior to video formats, all artists had to worry about was taking photos of their completed work and perhaps a few progress shots along the way. We now have to be artists, editors, and filmmakers, which has nearly quadrupled the amount of time I have to invest in social media. At times I do resent the process and it becomes quite easy to experience burnout. If I need to, I take a step back and make art without putting the pressure on myself like I feel like I need to share it. I’ve set really strict boundaries for myself this year with social media. After I post something, I interact with the post for about a half hour, then I put my phone down. I have all of my app notifications silenced 24/7.
“I had to eliminate the noise to enjoy the art making process more enjoyable again.”
With such a big online following, what has surprised you most about the way people connect with your illustrations?
Everyone is SO kind. I truly mean that. For the large audience I have I would expect to get far much more negativity.
“I think it’s a great testament to the creative community. We’re eager to discover and learn, and often sensitive souls.”
I thoroughly enjoy discovering art through social media—there is so much talent out there.
Do you find your illustration style shifting with trends, or do you try to hold onto something timeless in your work?
I don’t think my style necessarily changes with trends but my subjects certainly do. My sketches serve as little time capsules. It’s funny to look back to my sketches from around 2013 featuring so many infinity scarves, statement necklaces, skinny jeans, and top buns. It’s like returning to our old overly–filtered Instagram photos of the same era!
What do you hope people feel when they see one of your illustrations?
“I really just hope it makes them smile. I create art for art’s sake—it doesn’t have to have a big message or deeper meaning.”
I love making things that are whimsical and fun, something pretty to look at that can brighten someone’s day, even just for a moment. If it makes someone pause, feel a little joy, or escape into a daydream, then that’s enough for me.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about where your art might take you next?
I really love the path I’ve been taking lately with coloring books and I hope to be able to create more. I really enjoy using my books for educational events and love meeting artists young and old. I hope the next few years allow me to connect with my audience in person more. I’d love to travel for more educational events sharing my love for fashion illustration.