Steven Heller, an influential art director and cultural critic, and Nicolas Heller, an acclaimed commercial director known as New York Nico, discuss their careers, love for New York City, and shared experiences. They explore the city's influence, dreams of filmmaking, attracting outlandish events, and pride in each other's work.
Steven and Nick Heller share their deep love for New York City and its influence on their work in the design industry.
Nick Heller's unique approach to filmmaking captures the authenticity and individuality of ordinary New Yorkers, preserving their legacies and contributing to New York's cultural identity.
Deep dives
Father and Son Careers
In this episode, Father and Son Steven and Nick Heller discuss their respective careers. Steven Heller, a renowned art director and cultural critic, talks about his journey in the design industry and his role in shaping the MFA design program at the School of Visual Arts. Nick Heller, known as New York Nico, shares his experiences as a commercial director and documentarian, exploring the unique personalities and stories of New Yorkers through his films. Both father and son express their deep love for New York City and its influence on their work.
Growing Up in New York
As native New Yorkers, Steven and Nick Heller reflect on their connections and experiences with the city. Steven shares his fond memories of growing up in Stuyvesantown and the lasting impact it had on him. He highlights the iconic landmarks and the vibrant energy of New York. Nick, who briefly explored other cities such as Boston and LA, expresses his unwavering love for New York and its one-of-a-kind characters, capturing their stories through his films and social media platform.
Influence of Parents' Careers
Louise Fealey, legendary designer and Nick's mother, along with Steven Heller, played a significant role in shaping Nick's creative ambitions. They nurtured his passion for film and allowed him the freedom to pursue his own path without pressure. Growing up amidst famous designers and artists, Nick found inspiration in their work but also valued their genuine support and encouragement as he discovered his own creative identity.
Capturing New York's Authenticity
Nick Heller's unique approach to filmmaking revolves around capturing the authenticity and individuality of ordinary New Yorkers. Through his social media platform and documentary-style films, he acts as the unofficial talent scout of the city, showcasing the vibrant characters and places that make New York so special. His work serves as a preservation of the legacies of these individuals and contributes to the tapestry of New York's cultural identity.
One of the most influential art directors, design thinkers, and cultural critics of our time, Steven Heller, and his son Nicolas Heller, an acclaimed commercial director and documentarian, better known to his social media followers as New York Nico, join live at the AIGA Conference to talk about their remarkable careers and shared love for New York City.