Hey, Im Nikolai

Hey, Im Nikolai

I build brands at the intersection of design and AI. With 10 years of experience across industries from food & beverage to SaaS I've developed a unique approach that combines traditional design principles with AI-powered workflows.


My specialty is creating scalable brand systems that work across every touchpoint, from packaging to paid ads. I'm particularly passionate about helping companies leverage AI tools without losing their human touch. Based in upstate New York, I'm always experimenting with the latest creative technology while staying grounded in timeless design principles.

Experience

Experience

Founder / Creative Director

NPDesign Co, LLC

Jan 2015 - Present

Founder / Creative Director

NPDesign Co, LLC

Jan 2015 - Present

Founder / Creative Director

NPDesign Co, LLC

Jan 2015 - Present

Head Of Brand & Marketing

Seven Barrels Balsamics

Feb 2021 - Jan 2025

Head Of Brand & Marketing

Seven Barrels Balsamics

Feb 2021 - Jan 2025

Head Of Brand & Marketing

Seven Barrels Balsamics

Feb 2021 - Jan 2025

Art Director (Freelance)

Kirgan Consulting

Mar 2020 - Oct 2024

Art Director (Freelance)

Kirgan Consulting

Mar 2020 - Oct 2024

Art Director (Freelance)

Kirgan Consulting

Mar 2020 - Oct 2024

Lead Brand Designer (Contract)

Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream

Feb 2022 - May 2024

Lead Brand Designer (Contract)

Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream

Feb 2022 - May 2024

Lead Brand Designer (Contract)

Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream

Feb 2022 - May 2024

Senior Brand Designer (Freelance)

Bartley & Dick

Jan 2021 - Dec 2023

Senior Brand Designer (Freelance)

Bartley & Dick

Jan 2021 - Dec 2023

Senior Brand Designer (Freelance)

Bartley & Dick

Jan 2021 - Dec 2023

Graphic Designer

Curtis Print & Design

Jan 2019 - Apr 2020

Graphic Designer

Curtis Print & Design

Jan 2019 - Apr 2020

Graphic Designer

Curtis Print & Design

Jan 2019 - Apr 2020

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Photo of Nikolai Paquin

My Design Philosophy

Business-First Design

Design is a business accelerator, not decoration. Every visual decision I make drives real resultsconverting browsers into buyers and scaling businesses from startup to seven figures.

Systems Thinking

I approach every project as a complete brand ecosystem. A logo needs to work across packaging, websites, social media, and every touchpoint where customers encounter your brand.

Strategic AI Integration

I leverage artificial intelligence to amplify human creativity, developing workflows that deliver both speed and sophistication while maintaining the strategic thinking that drives business growth.

profile pic

My Design Philosophy

Business-First Design

Design is a business accelerator, not decoration. Every visual decision I make drives real resultsconverting browsers into buyers and scaling businesses from startup to seven figures.

Systems Thinking

I approach every project as a complete brand ecosystem. A logo needs to work across packaging, websites, social media, and every touchpoint where customers encounter your brand.

Strategic AI Integration

I leverage artificial intelligence to amplify human creativity, developing workflows that deliver both speed and sophistication while maintaining the strategic thinking that drives business growth.