About the Artist
Why Paper Jackal?
In 2022, I launched Paper Jackal as a way to share and sell my art without the pressure of creating work that’s overly personal or biographical.
The name felt right—jackals are clever and a little mischievous, which fees like the right vibe for some of my work.
Hey there, I’m David Nyman! I’m an artist based in Chicago, but I’m originally from Michigan. I’ve called Chicago home for the past 15 years, and it’s played a big role in shaping my work and creative identity.
I earned my BFA in 2-Dimensional Design with a focus in Printmaking from Central Michigan University, where I first fell in love with the process of building images through layers, texture, and detail. That foundation naturally led me to explore papercutting and illustration—two mediums that now define much of my work.
My illustrations are often location-based, inspired by places I’ve lived or visited, and have a postcard-like feel. My papercuts range from detailed depictions of animals to complex architectural pieces.
You can find my work at the Andersonville Galleria and at various art markets and festivals around Chicago.