New York Times
Portfolio Review Application
Phone: (908) 370-6932
Email: Natocello22@gmail.com
Website: Goldengraphics.studio
Artist Bio
Nat Ocello is a nonbinary artist passionate about learning, experimenting, and self-expression. They draw inspiration from personal experiences and worldly news to create art that aims to make the world a brighter place. Growing up, Nat used whatever materials they could find to express themselves and have since expanded their skills in illustration, graphic design, and animation. Staying informed about the world is important to Nat, and The New York Times has been a constant source of inspiration. With their cartoony art style and humor, Nat aims to bring a smile to people's faces through life's ups and downs.
Liberty's Fantasy
2023, 13in x 19in, Sharpie on Gloss Poster Paper.
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Being an artist born and raised in New Jersey means visiting New York City as often as possible. Inspired by the non-stop chaos, both good and bad, that this influential city has to offer, Nat Ocello has depicted this historical statue through their own eyes. Liberty’s Fantasy has a dual meaning, using physical environments and a passion for art to escape reality.
Birth of Creation
2024, 22in x 28in, Sharpie on Card Stock Poster Paper.
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Sketch for a mural-in-progress, located in Passaic, NJ. Nat takes Passaic’s rich history of television, creation, and artist traffic to form an artistic maze representing birth and rejuvenation. This piece explores themes of technological innovation, creative inspiration, and the nature of artistic evolution.
Yerba Mate
2024, 8.5in x 11in, Sharpie & Posca Pen on Card Stock Paper.
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Illustrated for a Guayaki Yerba Mate spec advertisement about an artist struggling with creative block, until they meet up with their friends and share a Yerba Mate together. This piece showcases the brand’s core values of being eco-friendly, sparking creativity, and the importance of sharing through a jungle scene with hidden yellow cans throughout the image.
Street Stories
2024, 16in x 20in, Posca Pens on Newspaper.
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After visiting a friend in San Fransisco, Nat had learned the rich and complex history of the queer city and touched the roots of their identity. Illustrating the sights and experiences from this trip allowed Nat to add a layer of realism from a local newspaper they bought at the LGBT Museum.
Shades of Reclamation:
Embracing Pink
2024, 15in x 12in, Posca Pen on Card Stock Paper.
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Accepted in the “PINK” Westfield Art Association Show. This warped perspective showcases the complex stages of Nat’s personal relationship with the color pink while exploring their gender identity. Initially identifying as a woman, pink was Nat's favorite color. However, upon coming out as non-binary, they distanced themselves from pink to avoid being seen as feminine. Through hard work and self-acceptance, Nat has learned to embrace their true self, defying societal expectations.
Sight Seeing
2024, 14in x 11in, Posca Pen on Gloss Poster Paper.
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Reimagining parks in Washington State, known for its Bigfoot sightings, beautiful hiking trails, and stunning nature. Nat repurposes pieces of art, transforming each with a touch of whimsical imagination, blending cartooning and realism. This ongoing series features photography prints themed around nature in America.
9-5 Digital Comics
Humorous one-panel comics depicting the typical 9-5 work lifestyle.
“Non-Stop” 2024, 8in x 11.5in, Adobe Illustrator.
“Off The Clock” 2024, 10in x 10in, Adobe Illustrator.
Thank you!
Dear New York Times Art Team,
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Thank you for considering my application, I look forward to hearing from you and am grateful for the opportunity to have my work reviewed by an Art Director from the New York Times. The rest of my website has more illustrations, animations, paintings, and designs. I hope you enjoy!
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Best, Nat Ocello