The Nutcracker Dress Rehearsal, Nicole Cicak

Nicole Cicak has loved making art for as long as she can remember, but it wasn’t until years after working as a designer that she found her way back to illustration. From her home studio in North Barrington, Illinois, she now creates playful and nostalgic pieces using gouache, pencils, and pens, inspired by history, travel, and the beauty of everyday life. 
For her, art is more than a career—it’s a form of meditation that brings peace and focus. She hopes her work spreads joy and connection, whether hanging on a wall or pieced together as a puzzle. When she’s not painting, she loves baking, antiquing, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Follow Nicole on IG @nicolecicak