In 2005, I began my professional journey at NORTH. 

As the first copywriter hired by an aspiring Portland boutique. Never had much budget, but always enough freedom to play and get in trouble in roughly equal amounts. Learned to find cool opportunities in overlooked and underdog places. 

2008: Headed five blocks East to Wieden + Kennedy. 

Big clients, high stakes, fast, fast, fast, learning more than I did in 20 years and many thousands of dollars worth of school. Mastered the process of growing unique concepts out of human insights. 

2010: Flowed on over to Liquid Agency. 

Learned the art and science of brand building. This meant less ads, and more creative presentations, internal culture building tools, and working sessions with clients. I also honed my “get-people-nodding-yes-Nick-tell-us-more” presentation craft.

2012: Worked with a conservation nonprofit. 

Managed a team of writers and freelancers to get mountains of work done on time, without overburdening. Mentored junior writers and partnered with our business development team on proposals and presentations.

2015: Led the writing team at Simple. 

As the first in-house creative hired by a tech startup, I defined the brand voice with manifestos, campaigns, in-app UI, and anything else we could think of. As the team grew, my role did too, to include creative direction and strategy.

In 2017, I started a design studio called Saint Friend.

With my partner in business and life, Kate Carter. I serve as co-creative director and founding partner. Learned on my feet (with the irreplaceable support of our team) how to lead us happily to great work that remained profitable for the studio.