Today we’d like to introduce you to Niki Baker
Hi Niki , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the Kansas plains, drawing horses and Disney characters from age 5. My passion for art fueled my earning a BFA in Painting at Kansas State University. My work is inspired by nature and my love for outdoor adventures—kayaking, biking, and exploring places like the Colorado mountains and Flint Hills—I combine my creativity with my connection to the natural world.
I went full time into art 5 short years ago after leaving my successful faux finishing business. In 2020 my first art career highlight was landing a licensing deal with Kansas State University and being the first artist to do so. This catapulted my work into connecting with not only my alumni but fellow Kansans who love and appreciate our beautiful state.
Today I am happy to say my small art business is continuing to grow exponentially each year and I am blessed to have the opportunity to continue pursuing my passion.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course not, no business is made overnight and over the years I’ve had some big wins and some painful losses but there is no growth without failure. Failure allows us to realize what is most important to our future and aides in buckling down how to get there.
First I left my highly successful faux finishing job in 2020 and went through the first year with sales that couldn’t feed me for a week. I had vision and tenacity though so I gave myself a year to assess my progress.
In my third year I was turned down by the Plaza Art Fair- something I honestly didn’t think would happen and I took it pretty hard. This just caused me to shift my focus on what was working and try different avenues.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Today I am in my 5th year of my full time art career. I am mostly known for my landscape paintings, many of which stem from places I have visited. I am a big nature junkie, and love to hike. This has connected me with such a large community of like minded people and I love the stories we share. I am also licensed with Kansas State University with my Wildcat paintings and prints, and currently am the only artist with this honored title. Being a Wildcat and sharing my love for purple keeps me connected with alumni.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
When I work I mostly listen to music but when I need direction I have been enjoying ‘The Goal Digger’ podcast by Jenna Kutcher and also the ‘Fitish’ podcast. Both are women-owned business and each have a different approach to running and sharing their strategies which help me as an artist since the majority of my work is marketing.
Pricing:
- Prints ranging from $60-$2,000
- Originals ranging from $450-$5000
- All Licensed K-State Original paintings available- $25,000 each (total of 6)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nikibakerart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikibakerart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
