NICHOLAS MILLER

remote motion designer and brand enthusiast.

 

For 15+ years, I've turned my brand-building passion into a quest for excellence and functionality. I'm all about questioning, exploring, creating, and innovating to craft visually appealing and functional designs for every project. My brand-building zeal involves finding inventive solutions, addressing existing problems, and even seeking out problems that need solving.

As a multi-disciplinary designer, artist, animator, and Production Manager, I've collaborated with global editorial and commercial clients. From startups to in-house roles, independent projects to freelance director positions, I've both led and been part of creative teams that consistently deliver award-winning work.

 
 

 watch my motion design reel

work should be life-enhancing. brand building is like building a world. like building a life. passion and courage to breathe life and existence into a brand to create a strong identity, image, culture, and personality.

nomadic // remote // freelancer

2015 – Current

In 15 years, I've evolved into a seasoned design expert, excelling in remote team environments. Seamlessly blending a nomadic lifestyle with constant connectivity, I assure my 50+ clients that their projects are in the hands of a professional who thrives on challenges.

My success is driven by adaptability and mastery in written and verbal communication. With a track record of launching 50+ websites, shaping 100+ brands, creating 5 mobile applications, 6 SAAS designs, and numerous animations, my collaborative prowess positions us as relentless creators ready to conquer any design challenge.

Acknowledging that achievements of this magnitude require teamwork, I thrive on agile collaboration with client in-house teams and remote freelancers. Fueled by self-management, every challenge within this collaborative framework transforms from an obstacle into an opportunity to showcase my experience and unwavering confidence.

 

2023 - current

Bruthaus Design, founded in January 2023, is a dynamic and innovative design studio that thrives on creating exceptional hotel experiences. Established by a trio of best friends, we are passionate about crafting unique and memorable designs for both new and established entities. Our portfolio extends beyond the hospitality sector to include cutting-edge e-commerce platforms that support these businesses. Additionally, we've successfully re-launched our own mezcal brand, Nakawe, adding a spirited touch to our diverse ventures.

 

art director // creative director

2008 – 2015

In my role as Creative Director, I spearheaded the creation of an empowering online wealth management course, "10 Weeks to Financial Freedom," tailored specifically for women. Leveraging the power of automation through Ontraport, we successfully served over 50,000 users. Additionally, I took charge of designing, editing, publishing, and launching a bestselling book on Amazon to complement the course.

I also co-founded and served as Vice President of AD2ATX, the nation's largest advertising group for young professionals aged 32 and under. As an Art Director, my contributions extended to creating a comprehensive nationwide product catalog system and producing award-winning photography for renowned brands like West Elm, Restoration Hardware, and Crate and Barrel. Collaborating with the trade-show team, I played a pivotal role in developing stunning award-winning showroom visual-display designs. Notably, during a company growth period, I helped elevate the national product brand from $35 million to an impressive $115 million in just five years.

 

early career

2004–2008

Stepping into the industry a bit later after my service in the US Army and completing my first degree at the University of Cincinnati, I initially found myself at a paper mill. Surprisingly, this turned out to be the serendipitous moment that set my life on a new course. Surrounded by incredible paper and engaging with printers and designers daily, I discovered my true passion. Enrolling in a Visual Multimedia program at Cincinnati State, I wasted no time making my mark, winning 3 Addy Awards and graduating as the second in my class.

Shortly after, I dove into the world of 3D animation at Lightborne Studios, working alongside some of the most talented individuals in my career, under the guidance of Creative Director Chris Gliebe and alongside the legendary Caleb Halter. Always on the move, I seized an opportunity to apprentice under the esteemed Bill Swenson and Jay Giles. Austin, Texas soon called me home, and within days of landing, I found myself once again collaborating with industry legends—Scott Creamer and Mason McFee at the Screamer Company.

 

 

outside of work

—–2022

When I'm not at work, I'm the social captain of a vibrant crew—artists, illustrators, furniture wizards, and folk music maestros. Plus, I'm the online ninja in the nin-community and the brains behind allthathasneverbeen.com, a Creative Commons art haven for collectors. And on weekends? You'll catch me tearing up trails on a horse or cruising the mountains on a vintage motorcycle.