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This website is currently being redesigned and tested. Please excuse any broken links or content that is still being designed.
This website is currently being redesigned and tested. Please excuse any broken links or content that is still being designed.
Hey, I'm Nikolai
Hey, I'm Nikolai
Hey, I'm Nikolai
I build brands at the intersection of design and AI. With 10+ years of experience across industries, 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.
Beyond design work, I share what I learned going from designer to 6-figure business owner to breaking into tech all before 30. I teach people how to make strategic career moves, build wealth in their 20s, and create systems that let you succeed without burning out.
I build brands at the intersection of design and AI. With 10+ years of experience across industries, 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.
Beyond design work, I share what I learned going from designer to 6-figure business owner to breaking into tech all before 30. I teach people how to make strategic career moves, build wealth in their 20s, and create systems that let you succeed without burning out.
I build brands at the intersection of design and AI. With 10+ years of experience across industries, 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.
Beyond design work, I share what I learned going from designer to 6-figure business owner to breaking into tech all before 30. I teach people how to make strategic career moves, build wealth in their 20s, and create systems that let you succeed without burning out.
Where I Started
Where I Started
Where I Started
In 2015 I started freelancing as a brand and marketing designer helping local business scale their websites and social media marketing while I was in college.
After graduating college in 2019 with a design degree, right into COVID. I had two jobs for about six months before getting laid off due to the pandemic in 2020.
Most people would see that as bad luck. I saw it as a forced opportunity.
I scaled my freelance business into a full time brand and marketing agency. Taking advantage of every business in the world needing to go online. Not because I wanted to be an entrepreneur—I just needed to pay rent.
In 2015 I started freelancing as a brand and marketing designer helping local business scale their websites and social media marketing while I was in college.
After graduating college in 2019 with a design degree, right into COVID. I had two jobs for about six months before getting laid off due to the pandemic in 2020.
Most people would see that as bad luck. I saw it as a forced opportunity.
I scaled my freelance business into a full time brand and marketing agency. Taking advantage of every business in the world needing to go online. Not because I wanted to be an entrepreneur—I just needed to pay rent.
In 2015 I started freelancing as a brand and marketing designer helping local business scale their websites and social media marketing while I was in college.
After graduating college in 2019 with a design degree, right into COVID. I had two jobs for about six months before getting laid off due to the pandemic in 2020.
Most people would see that as bad luck. I saw it as a forced opportunity.
I scaled my freelance business into a full time brand and marketing agency. Taking advantage of every business in the world needing to go online. Not because I wanted to be an entrepreneur—I just needed to pay rent.
The Build
The Build
The Build
By 23, I was running a multi 6-figure business, working with everyone from solo entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 brands. With a few other creatives helping me produce client work, and scale the agency.
I helped clients generate over $500 million in revenue through branding, marketing, and paid advertising. I learned Facebook Ads, copywriting, web design, and how to position brands for growth.
On paper, I had "made it."
In reality, I was burning out.
By 23, I was running a multi 6-figure business, working with everyone from solo entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 brands. With a few other creatives helping me produce client work, and scale the agency.
I helped clients generate over $500 million in revenue through branding, marketing, and paid advertising. I learned Facebook Ads, copywriting, web design, and how to position brands for growth.
On paper, I had "made it."
In reality, I was burning out.
By 23, I was running a multi 6-figure business, working with everyone from solo entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 brands. With a few other creatives helping me produce client work, and scale the agency.
I helped clients generate over $500 million in revenue through branding, marketing, and paid advertising. I learned Facebook Ads, copywriting, web design, and how to position brands for growth.
On paper, I had "made it."
In reality, I was burning out.
The Crash & Pivot
The Crash & Pivot
The Crash & Pivot
After 10+ years of freelancing and 6 years of running a small design agency, I hit a wall.
So I did something that shocked everyone: I closed the agency.
I decided to go back into employment optimizing my positioning, and strategically applying to roles I actually wanted.
The result?
I landed a remote 6 figure design role at a tech startup with amazing benefits, and paid travel.
No connections. No luck. Just strategy.
After 10+ years of freelancing and 6 years of running a small design agency, I hit a wall.
So I did something that shocked everyone: I closed the agency.
I decided to go back into employment optimizing my positioning, and strategically applying to roles I actually wanted.
The result?
I landed a remote 6 figure design role at a tech startup with amazing benefits, and paid travel.
No connections. No luck. Just strategy.
After 10+ years of freelancing and 6 years of running a small design agency, I hit a wall.
So I did something that shocked everyone: I closed the agency.
I decided to go back into employment optimizing my positioning, and strategically applying to roles I actually wanted.
The result?
I landed a remote 6 figure design role at a tech startup with amazing benefits, and paid travel.
No connections. No luck. Just strategy.
Why I'm Sharing
Why I'm Sharing
Why I'm Sharing
I realized something: most people waste years figuring out what I learned the hard way.
They follow the "default path"—get a job, work for 40 years, hope it works out.
But there's a better way. So I started sharing everything I learned:
How to make strategic career moves that compress years of progress
How to build wealth in your 20s (not your 50s)
How to create systems that let you succeed without burning out
I realized something: most people waste years figuring out what I learned the hard way.
They follow the "default path"—get a job, work for 40 years, hope it works out.
But there's a better way. So I started sharing everything I learned:
How to make strategic career moves that compress years of progress
How to build wealth in your 20s (not your 50s)
How to create systems that let you succeed without burning out
I realized something: most people waste years figuring out what I learned the hard way.
They follow the "default path"—get a job, work for 40 years, hope it works out.
But there's a better way. So I started sharing everything I learned:
How to make strategic career moves that compress years of progress
How to build wealth in your 20s (not your 50s)
How to create systems that let you succeed without burning out
Copyright © 2020 – 2026 All Right Reserved
Copyright © 2020 – 2026 All Right Reserved
Copyright © 2020 – 2026 All Right Reserved