Nick Kuchar Works

"I'm an Oahu-based artist and I create vintage-inspired surf and travel art featuring favorite locations of this 'aina we call home.

“My creative process takes me throughout the islands, where I look for inspiration paddling out at surf spots and hiking. I take onsite sketches and photographs into my studio, where I use a mix of acrylic washes and digital illustration to bring my vision of these locales to life.

“My wife and I fell in love with Hawai’i on a honeymoon in 2005 that turned into an extended honeymoon. We found a vibrant community and an island ‘ohana to call home. Surfing has always been a part of who I am, from my days growing up in Florida to now paddling out with my twin toddlers around O’ahu. Catching waves, spending time at the beach with my family, and looking for inspiration are a few of my favorite things. 

“I love the early days of surfing and beach culture, including the vintage color palette, typography, and nostalgia that goes with it. I’ve been blessed to have collaborated with great companies like Patagonia, Hawaiian Airlines, and Olukai, to name a few.

“After graduating from the primary colors, I attended Auburn University, where I earned a degree in Industrial Design. Back in 2010, my wife was looking for some wall decor for our apartment. She couldn’t find the vintage-styled Hawai’i prints she envisioned in her head. She asked me to illustrate some, which led to me to visually explore some of our favorite spots in Hawai’i. It’s been such a blessing to be able to do what I love, and I am beyond stoked when someone enjoys my work as much as I enjoyed creating it.”