.png)
Nicole Draffen
My work challenges the limitations of identity and the labels imposed by society. Through art and storytelling, I seek to inspire dialogue, bridge cultural divides, and redefine what it means to belong.- N. Draffen
Author: Autobiographical
Social: @hyphenednation
Portfolio: hyphened-nation.com
About the Artist
Nicole Draffen is a visionary artist and author whose work delves into the intersections of identity, culture, and social change. With a deep commitment to fostering unity and understanding, her creative journey is driven by a passion for storytelling and a belief in the transformative power of art. Through her multidisciplinary approach, Draffen challenges conventional narratives and invites audiences to explore the complexities of human experience.
Her work is a vibrant tapestry of themes that question societal norms and celebrate diversity. Whether through her thought-provoking book Hyphened-Nation: Don’t Check the Box or her compelling visual art, Draffen encourages individuals to rethink identity and dismantle the barriers that divide us. Her art is not merely an expression but a call to action—an invitation to engage in deeper conversations about inclusion and belonging.
Inspired by her personal experiences and global travels, Draffen’s work blends bold narratives with a sense of hope, creating pieces that resonate on both an intimate and universal level. Beyond her art, she actively engages in movements that challenge institutionalized separation, using her voice to advocate for a more inclusive world.
portfolio
Hyphened-Nation
don't check the box
Hyphened-Nation: Don’t Check the Box™ started as a book and grew into a powerful grassroots movement. Written by Nicole Draffen, the book ignited a conversation about identity, race, and the way we categorize people in America. The movement, named after the book’s subtitle, Don’t Check the Box™, challenges the idea of labeling Americans of color with hyphenated identities—like African-American, Asian-American, or Latino-American—believing it only reinforces division and discrimination.
📖 Read more: Lucire Rouge
For too long, checking a box has been the norm—a subtle yet powerful way of separating people by ethnicity rather than uniting them as Americans. Draffen is determined to change that. Her movement calls on people to reject this outdated practice and recognize that identity is about more than a category on a form.
🌍 Discover her perspective: Philadelphia Life Magazine
Draffen’s journey took her to the UK, where she experienced something eye-opening: she was simply seen as American—not a hyphenated version of one. That experience shaped her mission and became a core message in her book.
🔎 Explore her insights: Cali FM
Since launching the Don’t Check the Box™ movement in 2016, Draffen has built a growing community of people who believe in embracing change. Her goal? To shift the narrative, eliminate hyphenated labels, and encourage every American to define themselves beyond a checkbox.
📚 Join the conversation: Great Books, Great Minds
💡 Learn more: Cali FM
