Meet Cooper Nigut | Freelance Marketer + Digital Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cooper Nigut and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cooper, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Because – what’s better than creating? Ever since I was little, I’ve always enjoyed the act of creative expression. Throughout my life, I’ve created through various mediums. Growing up, I was very interested in creative writing; I remember buying notebooks and writing away in them all day, then eventually moving to using computers and typing out pages of fictional tales. During my college career, one could typically find me making music and beats in my dorm room or home bedroom for hours on end. Lately, I’ve dabbled in creating digital art via Adobe Creative Cloud – moving from character illustrations on Illustrator using a tablet, to focusing more on photo manipulations and sports graphics with Photoshop. The joy I get in creating things is truly unmatched, and I hope to create for the rest of my life and throughout my career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a completely self-taught illustrator/designer. Actually, I’ve really taught myself most of the things that I’ve created and skills I’ve developed throughout my life and career. I’m really a self-motivated learner and enjoy taking on new challenges and learning new things. My girlfriend and friends would say that’s the “Capricorn in me” (ha!) although I’m not a big horoscope guy. We live in lucky times to do these things – there are an abundance of resources online that can help you pick up new tools for your toolbox.

I’ve worked at various digital marketing agencies and usually within the social media departments. These stops made me gain a serious love and appreciation for great social content and executions. I’ve worked with some pretty big brands (NFL teams, TV networks, Amazon Prime Video to name a few) and got to do some really cool work. There were definitely challenges and a lot of time that went into some of these projects, but it’s all worth it in the end, especially when it’s work you’re proud of and passionate about.

Anyway, I’d say I’m currently focusing on two different mediums – vector character illustrations made with Adobe Illustrator (especially “big head”/caricature style!) and sports designs/graphics made with Photoshop. I gained a love for both of these styles by being a big fan of different brands and companies executing on social. In general, I just love great social content and enjoy being able to produce that type of stuff as well. I do commissions for various clients and brands, so if you’re looking for some cool art or a slick design, I’m your guy (I work fast, too!).

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have a few spots that I love to hit up in San Diego, where I’m currently living. First off, we would definitely have to go to Balboa Park. I love walking around and checking out all of the cool architecture, picnicking on the grassy spots, and touring the museums. Obviously the beaches are a necessity – I’d say my two favorites are No Surf Beach in Sunset Cliffs and Coronado Beach. I also love going to Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach – the view of San Diego is incredible there; you can practically see the entire city from the grassy hill there.

As far as eats/drinks – I love getting a Poke Bowl at Poki One ‘n Half (they’ve got locations all around!), tacos/beverages at Sandbar in Mission Beach or South Beach Grille in OB, or some Hawaiian Barbecue at Chris’ Ono Grinds Island Grill in North Park. Also – gotta shout out Pizza Nova in Point Loma. I used to work there and the food is AMAZING! Plus, the team there was like my original family when I moved to San Diego and didn’t know anybody 7 years ago.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This creativity had to come from somewhere, right? I owe it all to my parents, who have shown me unwavering love and support throughout my whole life.

Website: www.coopernigut.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coopmakesthings/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coopernigut/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coopmakesthings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooper.nigut