Secondary Colors with Nick Kuchar and Friends – Details, episodes & analysis

As 2025 heads off into the sunset Nick, Dale & contemporary fine artist and digital creator Alimo close out the year discussing the highs and lows of opening a new retail shop, the future potential of NFTs, and how best to maximize your lightning-in-a-bottle moments. And most importantly, how many burritos will your next project bring you?? Alimo shares the conversion ratio on this important question and much more all on episode 39 of Secondary Colors. Happy New Year, friends! 

Recorded @ Nick Kuchar Art & Vintage POP-UP at a very rainy Ala Moana Center on O'ahu.

Follow Nick: www.instagram.com/NickKuchar

Follow Alimo: www.instagram.com/AlimoFun

Ever wonder what really makes your art stand out at a market event? Nick, Tracey, and Dale catch up on recent events in episode 38. From booth creation and setup, to on-site activations like live screen printing for Nick's new limited edition "Mango Season". We share what's been working, what we're still dialing in, and a few book recommendations that are shaping how we approach business and creativity in 2025. Also tips on your new hire process as we bring on some added help in the marketing department to grow our team. If you're into small biz life, creative work, or just want a peek behind the curtain - this one's for you!

Recorded @ Nick Kuchar Art & Vintage @ Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, HI.

Follow Nick @ www.instagram.com/NickKuchar or shop 'til ya drop @ www.NickKuchar.com 

Maui-based artist Welzie returns to Secondary Colors to discuss his perspective of life after the tragic fires that swept Maui on August 8th. From the importance of establishing your creative community to helping children heal through art, Nick & Welzie have a heartfelt one-on-one about the ways we can learn and grow from moments like this through out life and the power of speaking positivity. Join us, friends!

Nick, Tracey & Dale are back from their summer-long hiatus to discuss the whirlwind of these last few months. From the excitement of meeting wild deer (and even wilder robots) in Japan, to the devestation brought on by the Maui fires and the surprising challenges that come with fundraising, this episode is a candid catch up between the guys packed with unsolicited advice. Nick shares tips they learned first hand in raising money for Maui Relief efforts, and one thing they started doing that has been a huge help for their retail partners. We're stoked to be back, friends!

Recorded at Nick Kuchar Art & Design in beautiful Kailua town, Hawai'i.  

For Nick's work, paddle on over to www.NickKuchar.com or join the party wave on Instagram at www.instagram.com/NickKuchar

Hailing from the streets of Yokohama, Japan (which might explain some of the audio quality, sorry) Nick sits down with several of his friends and fellow artists for this special Green Room Festival edition of Secondary Colors! Nick chats mastering the freelance life and giving back to the Pacific Islander community with Shar Tuiasoa AKA Punky Aloha (https://punkyaloha.com), to unlocking the cheat code for being creative more often with Matt Allen (https://mattallen.com) & Jonas Claesson (https://jonasclaesson.com). Plus, the return of Christie Shinn (https://shinnstudio.com) AKA "Auntie Crispy" who sheds some light on getting to know your market and adjusting business accordingly. It's a star-studded affair, folks. Listen now!

Edited @ Nick Kuchar Art & Design Co. (https://instagram.com/NickKuchar) in beautiful Kailua town. Shop the new "Secret Spot" Collection with Hurley now on www.nickkuchar.com

What's going to take your art business to the next level? Brittney Heyd of Hawaii's Mana Up (https://manauphawaii.com) joins Nick, Tracey & Dale to share tips and advice on how to do just that! From ways to begin your art business journey, to the importance of telling your personal story and creating a narrative behind everything you sell - Brittany and the guys discuss it all. Plus, new prints and clothing headed your way this month on www.nickkuchar.com. Wrap your ears around episode 26 of Secondary Colors with Nick Kuchar & Friends, friends!

Recorded in the Nick Kuchar Art & Design Shop in beautiful Kailua town.

Pricing our work can be one of the most difficult things in our daily process...it doesn't have to be!  Take advice from Nick & Jaz's about becoming a confident freelancer in this conversation geared toward empowering creatives.  Jaz offers a free pricing calculator on her website & encourages our listeners to know their worth. She also gives tips on how to move their business forward.  The duo discuss drafting up a contract, getting your project off on the right foot and getting yourself in a mindset for growth. It's time for episode 25!

Jaz on insta @yourpricingqueen

More about Jaz and a free pricing calculator available at 
www.creativebusinesskitchen.com

Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai'i. 

Creator of TheVectorLab, Designer Ray Dombroski joins Nick, Tracey & Dale for episode 24! Ray's extensive background in the surf apparel industry started in 2002. Since then he has designed for many top brands in California and Hawaii, such as Quiksilver, O'Neill, Billabong, Rip Curl, Ocean Pacific and Local Motion. He shares his successes and hardships that lead him to finally establishing The Vector Lab website that offers design elements, graphic design resources, tools, and tutorials. As a fellow Florida State University student, Ray and Nick remininsce about the good ol' days, Tracey daydreams of nostalgic skateboard decks while Dale packs his bags for Japan.  Thanks for joining us for two dozen episodes!

Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai'i. 

Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)

Freelance Artist and Designer Matthew Tapia (www.instagram.com/MatthewTapia) joins Nick, Tracey and Dale for episode 23! From his large scale work including the iconic "Wish You Were Here" at the Surfjack hotel pool to his role on the team for MLB's Cleveland Guardians rename and a variety of branding & lettering projects in-between, Matt shares what he's learned in the many steps along the road to freelance life and how clear communication can make or break any relationship. Nick & Tracey discuss the many challenges of any hiring process (we're hiring, by the way: www.NickKuchar.com for more details) and how to change up your approach to new hires. Listen now, friends!

The guys ring in the new year with Hawai'i-based graffiti artist Melon James! Melon shares his personal story of his gang-filled past in the streets of Chicago, to life in the military and his eventual new beginnings on the isle of O'ahu. Weaving perseverance and artistic skill, his inspirational journey has turned a strong passion for graffiti and art into a successful career. Nick, Tracey & Dale chat goals for 2023 and play a 'new' game with our guest. Happy New Episode, everybody!

Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai'i. 

Mahalo to our sponsor Hawaii Magazine!

Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@thewalkingdale)