May 2019 - Everyday Love Art - The Art of Nidhi Chanani

Today not someday

May 28, 2019/0 Comments/in comics, daily drawing /by Nidhi Chanani

Nick and I have been together for nearly 16 years. It’s easy to forget the person you share your life with is an individual. I regularly have conversations with Nick in my head, assuming his responses and reactions. Our recent relationship go-to phrase is “assume the best of me” whenever we fall into a familiar place of frustration. We’ve grown together as a team. We choose, more often than not, to love each other instead of fight. It’s not easy! But Nick teaches me regularly to choose love.

As we watched Queer Eye earlier this year, shedding tears and fueling up on hope, I heard his wish for an opportunity like the folks on the show. A plan began to formulate. I typically plan Nick’s birthday months in advance because my schedule is bananas AND ALSO because I love birthdays! I told a small set of friends and they agreed it was a good idea. I was nervous Nick wouldn’t be into it without the fab five but they assured me he’d like it. I finished my grand plan in April and I’m very proud to say that I didn’t spill ANYTHING. In addition to a party, I treated him to a day inspired by Queer Eye, where he could focus on the wonderful, beautiful person he is – because everyone deserves to see themselves through the lens of love.

On the morning of his birthday, I presented him with his schedule and funfetti waffles. I think he was in shock as I ushered him out the door. His first appointment was Orange Theory (which he was late to because preschoolers don’t understand tight schedules but they were so welcoming and excited) which was inspired by Karamo, then inspired by Tan, a stylist through Macy’s (did you know that’s a free service they provide?!), followed by a barber shop for a facial, shave and cut (he hasn’t had a haircut in 10 years!) inspired by Jonathan, afterwards a day spa where he had his first pedicute and finally he joined us for homemade bahn mi sandwiches and cake that I decorated with the kid, Antoni would be proud!

We missed the home make over, because I cannot be Bobby! But the Nick make over was a success! He told me he could never have imagined what I had planned and that he felt pampered and lucky. He had new experiences, a new do and new wardrobe… and I’m so happy that on his 40th birthday he felt relaxed and loved!

Thank you Queer Eye for the queerspiration!

And happy birthday, my love!

disney in june!

May 20, 2019/1 Comment/in disney, news /by Nidhi Chanani

I’m returning to Disney’s Wonderground Gallery this June! It marks my 6th year working with them and the experience is lovely every time. The Wonderground Gallery is located in Downtown Disney and does not require park tickets for entry. I’ll be their artist-in-residence which means I’ll create watercolors live four weekends in a row. I’ve selected some of my favorite characters for the watercolors and I look forward to sharing them!

The piece above, “Imagination has no age” will release on June 15th between 2-4pm along with pieces from Michelle Bickford, Michael Murphy and Mcbiff .

Disney asked the artists involved to help celebrate the 60th anniversary of the matterhorn, monorail and submarine. I took it as an opportunity to push myself with a complex piece. I combined the three attractions with 25 (!!) classic Disney characters! Whew! It was a lot of work! Throughout I cursed myself because it was more challenging than I imagined. When I submitted the final illustration, Disney asked me to refine it. That never happened before! I wanted so much to push back and say it was fine! However, I know they don’t provide unwarranted feedback.

I stepped back and thought about the environment. It is just as important as the characters but my first attempt didn’t look that way. Harmony is important. I adjusted colors, added more texture and lighting. And as I completed it, adding the soft twinkles in the sky, a sense of pride washed over me. It was approved quickly thereafter.

In work like that, the journey isn’t pleasurable. However, I learn along the way and when I arrive at the destination, there is great joy. Earned joy.

In addition to the art release on the 15th, I’ll be painting June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30, 2019. Saturdays from 5-9pm and Sundays from 4-7pm.

I hope to see you in June!

everyday love and events

May 14, 2019/0 Comments/in news /by Nidhi Chanani

YAY! I can finally share the new logo and mark for Everyday Love. Years ago when I began Everyday Love I drew lots of giraffes. A few fans lovingly called me “the giraffe lady” and I embraced it. I quickly made a giraffe logo.

A common misconception is that artists are also good at design. I’m not! I’m very comfortable and confident in what I do. That comfort comes with the knowledge of what I cannot do. One of those is design. I knew my giraffe logo was a stop gap. I contacted my friend Chelsea who’s work I’ve admired, a talented designer with a keen eye. I feel very fortunate to work with stellar people like her as I create art, books and build my small business.

We began working on the new brand identity at the end of last year. I’m so happy that the process, which was long mostly due to our schedules, was easy. She knew I wanted to communicate a clean, modern style with a wide appeal. She took my vision, my work and translated it into a logo that encompasses love, open heartedness, equality and whimsy. When we finished I felt my heart swell.

I know this new identity will lead me down new paths and I cannot wait to share them with you. I thank you for your support, giraffes and all. ^_^

Also if you’re in the bay I will be presenting with Amber Padilla at the Apple Union Square on Thursday about using the ipad to make illustrations and comics. On Sunday I will join many authors at Fairyland in Oakland for their annual Turn the Page event. I hope to see you there!