Pay Day with pop artist Nordacious: ‘As a child of self-employed creatives, frugality was a guiding principle’

It’s Pay Day! The ABC’s new column where we ask Australians the money questions we don’t like to talk about. We aim to demystify personal finance and normalise conversations about what we earn and how we save it — or spend it.

Nordacious, AKA James Hillier, is a Brisbane-based visual artist and graphic designer who creates pop art illustrations reflecting popular culture and politics, with a heavy focus on 1990s nostalgia and Australiana.

Through his art, James has established a loyal online following and raised more than $20,000 for charities that support survivors of gendered violence, child abuse, natural disasters and wars. 

For Pay Day, James shares the reality of building a brand and business as a self-employed artist, the lesson of “delayed gratification” that he learned from his parents, and the irresistible guilty splurge in his shopping trolley most weeks.

How would you describe your financial situation right now?

Being a self-employed artist, my financial situation is ever-changing. It can fluctuate considerably depending on the popularity of new pieces and the number of privately commissioned jobs coming through the door.

Precarious economic conditions can also cause volatility. I do my best to diversify income streams as much as possible, which helps me plan for slower periods.

I’m incredibly grateful for the supportive online community I’ve been able to foster through my art sales. Their enthusiasm and engagement have been instrumental in creating a more reliable income stream for me. I know being able to be self-sustained as an artist isn’t common, and I cherish the opportunity to create full-time.

How was money spoken about in your house growing up?

As children of self-employed creatives, my siblings and I witnessed the realities of a fluctuating budget. Frugality was a guiding principle — restaurant meals were rare, and trendy items took a backseat.

Instead my parents prioritised road trips, quality time and encouraged creativity and imagination. They instilled responsible spending habits with a positive spin, opting for “not now” instead of “we can’t afford that”, which definitely shaped my approach to saving and delayed gratification today.

What did you spend your first pay cheque on?

Probably a Mambo tee or an SMP belt! Had to fit in with the cool kids at school.

What has been your biggest financial disaster?

In my early 20s, fresh out of home and living in a new city, I underestimated the cost of living. Between starting my professional career (on a very low salary) and higher living expenses, I relied on a credit card way too heavily. Paying back the debt was a grind, but it made me a budgeting pro.

What’s your guilty splurge?

CHEESE. I always need cheese in my trolley! I can’t resist a good charcuterie board, and a well-aged cheddar is pure happiness.

How much was the last loaf of bread you bought?

I don’t typically buy bread, but I do enjoy a good coffee when I’m on the go. The last one I grabbed yesterday at the airport cost over $8 for a long black. My local haunt usually charges about $6.

Cash or card?

Card, with most of my purchases being made online.

How many bank accounts do you have? How do you organise your money?

I’m a big believer in compartmentalising my finances. Every pay day, a predetermined percentage is moved into separate accounts for everyday spending, business expenses, my tax saver, an emergency fund, a house deposit (my long-term goal), as well as a medical/dental savings account. It helps keep the chaos contained and my goals within reach.

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What’s your biggest source of money anxiety? 

I think most of my peers share a considerable dose of anxiety when contemplating retirement, let alone ever attaining home ownership. However, I’m doing what I can to plan for the future.

What are you saving for right now and how are you doing it?

I’m saving for a house deposit. Even with my unwavering commitment to leaving perfectly well-smashed avocados behind, attaining home ownership does feel like an increasingly lofty aspiration. I’ve learnt to become really disciplined with my savings, allocating a fixed percentage of my income to invest whenever I’m paid. Slow and steady!

What’s your biggest financial achievement?

Making personal financial literacy a priority. I so wish I had started earlier, but I feel I’m on a better track now.

If you could tell 18-year-old you one thing about money, what would it be?

The power (and magic) of compound interest. Start investing in your future-self now — little by little becomes a lot. Financial freedom is way cooler than that impulse buy you’re eyeing right now (looking at you, early 2000s City Beach purchases!).

You can follow Nordacious and find out where to see his work in person on Instagram.