Nick Alan Foote (X̲wéech) is a Tlingit and Filipino artist, illustrator, and Chilkat weaver from Ketchikan, Alaska, now based in Seattle. He specializes in traditional Tlingit formline and contemporary visual storytelling, blending ancestral design with modern expression to honor his heritage, celebrate queer identity, and build community through art.
His multidisciplinary practice spans children’s books, animation concept art, educational materials, and graphic design. A core focus of his work is cultural preservation and language revitalization. He collaborates with his Tribe to create picture books that teach Lingít language and traditional stories to young learners. He has also worked with History Unboxed, an educational organization that provides hands-on materials to help students explore history through crafts, books, and activities.
In 2024, Nick was selected to design the official artwork for Sealaska Heritage Institute’s Celebration, a major cultural festival in Southeast Alaska. His piece, featured across event banners and merchandise, reflected the theme Together We Live in Balance and celebrated the unity of Indigenous communities.
Nick also partners with nonprofits such as LifeCenter Northwest and the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, contributing artwork that supports Native health, safety, and visibility. In every collaboration, he brings a strong sense of cultural responsibility, representing Indigenous life with nuance and care.
Raised in Southeast Alaska, Nick grew up deeply connected to the land, coastal environment, and the stories passed down through generations. That foundation continues to shape his creative process, which is rooted in memory, place, and community.
Through his business, Nick Alan Art, he distributes work that centers Indigenous identity and queer pride, sharing art online, through local retailers, and in public-facing projects. He sees visual art as a powerful way to share stories, create visibility for Native and queer people, and foster connection through shared spaces.
At its core, Nick’s practice is about relationship—between past and future, art and audience, self and community. Through bold, emotional, and educational imagery, he aims to uplift Indigenous voices and contribute to a broader movement for cultural visibility, resilience, and self-determination.
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Seattle, WA
