A few years back, I tried my hand at making a hat featuring an embroidered raptor. No matter how many times I worked back and forth with our embroiderer at the time, we couldn’t get it right. I fully own that it was mostly my fault for having no idea how to best set up art for embroidery, which designs might suit a hat best, or which hat style might best fit an embroidered image. So for a while, hats with birds on them felt out of my depth.
That’s until Nicholas Lombardo stepped in! A recent interest in birding brought him our way, and he came with an offer to make this idea come to life. Nicholas’s experience in design and manufacturing at Out Yonder Co made him the perfect person to execute our vision. Together, we created a beautiful hat featuring an Osprey with its prized catch, and a fishbone debossing across the bill. Click here to snag the cap: https://hawkwatch-international.myshopify.com/products/osprey-hat
What is your “spark bird,” aka the species that sparked your interest in birds?
Funny enough, it is the Osprey!! Every summer growing up, I would watch Ospreys hunt all day at my local beach in Cape Cod, MA.
What inspires your work?
Overall, anytime I am creating, regardless of the medium, I am always inspired first by God, love, and the wonders of the physical universe. Depending on the medium I am working in, I love to take inspiration from natural forms, specific moments in time, and heartfelt emotions.
What do you do outside of your art?
I actually design merchandise for my job at Yonder MFG! But outside of work, I DJ, produce music, and upcycle clothing. I also love to move my body, cook for friends, and go to a show every once in a while.
Where can people find and support you?
Reach out to me on Instagram! @nicholas.lombardo_ or my website nicholaslombardo.site I can help you design and manufacture merchandise for your brand or company!!
This blog was written by Sammy Riccio, HWI’s Communications Manager. You can learn more about Sammy here.
