Strategic Creative Director scaling businesses through results-driven design systems.

Strategic Creative Director scaling businesses through results-driven design systems.

Strategic Creative Director scaling businesses through results-driven design systems.

$50,000,000+

$50,000,000+

In Client Revenue Generated

In Client Revenue Generated

$50,000,000+

In Client Revenue Generated

300+ Clients

300+ Clients

Whose Brands I've Transformed

Whose Brands I've Transformed

300+ Clients

Whose Brands I've Transformed

300% AVG

300% AVG

Growth Achieved For Clients

Growth Achieved For Clients

300% AVG

Growth Achieved For Clients

10+ Years

10+ Years

Of Design Experience

Of Design Experience

10+ Years

Of Design Experience

I don't just make brands look goodI make them perform. Building scalable design systems that turn creative into revenue.


From startup branding to enterprise rollouts, I create design systems that grow with your businessturning creative into your competitive advantage.

I don't just make brands look good—I make them perform. Building scalable design systems that turn creative into revenue.


From startup branding to enterprise rollouts, I create design systems that grow with your business—turning creative into your competitive advantage.

I don't just make brands look goodI make them perform. Building scalable design systems that turn creative into revenue.


From startup branding to enterprise rollouts, I create design systems that grow with your businessturning creative into your competitive advantage.

Photo of Nikolai Paaquin
Photo of Nikolai Paaquin
Photo of Nikolai Paquin

Some of the companies I have worked with:

Some of the companies

I have worked with:

  • Lainey Wilson Logo
  • Unilever Logo
  • AMC Logo
  • BBC Logo
  • Linkedin Logo
  • Microsoft Logo
  • Intel Logo
  • The Honey Pot Company Logo
  • BET Logo
  • Amazon Logo
  • Morgan Wallen Logo
  • Blackberry Smoke Logo
  • Banza Logo
  • Gas Monkey Garage Logo
  • Lainey Wilson Logo
  • Unilever Logo
  • AMC Logo
  • BBC Logo
  • Linkedin Logo
  • Microsoft Logo
  • Intel Logo
  • The Honey Pot Company Logo
  • BET Logo
  • Amazon Logo
  • Morgan Wallen Logo
  • Blackberry Smoke Logo
  • Banza Logo
  • Gas Monkey Garage Logo
  • Seven Barrels Promo Graphics
  • Gilded Leaf Gummies Packaging
  • Seven Barrels Lavender Product Shot
  • Blackberry Smoke Concert Poster
  • Lonestar Rally Shirt Design For Gorilla Glue
  • Sweet & Boozy Billboard At Allegiant Stadium
  • Swift Saint Lifestyle Photo
  • Explorer's Elixir Coffee Packaging
  • Offcourt Fragrance Product Shot
  • Offcourt Body Wash Product Shot
  • One-Ton Barbell Club eagle Logo
  • Gas Monkey Garage Live Free Or Die Shirt
  • Malbec Mystic Wine Label
  • Gypsy Forest Dry Gin Packaging
  • Burlap & Barrel Product Shot
  • Miles Deodorant Clean Product
  • Banza Waffles Launch Post
  • Greater Than Promo Graphic
  • Vitaminis Gut Health Shot Product
  • Cherry Halva Packaging Seed + Mill
  • Seed+ Mill Tahini Lifestyle Image
  • The Queen's Cask Brand Kit
  • Front Royal Brand Kit
  • Human Improvement Packaging Design
  • York Athletics Amazon Graphic
  • Old Guard Mescal Bottle Design
  • Gypsy Forest Dry Gin Packaging
  • Seven Barrels Promo Graphics
  • Gilded Leaf Gummies Packaging
  • Seven Barrels Lavender Product Shot
  • Blackberry Smoke Concert Poster
  • Lonestar Rally Shirt Design For Gorilla Glue
  • Sweet & Boozy Billboard At Allegiant Stadium
  • Swift Saint Lifestyle Photo
  • Explorer's Elixir Coffee Packaging
  • Offcourt Fragrance Product Shot
  • Offcourt Body Wash Product Shot
  • One-Ton Barbell Club eagle Logo
  • Gas Monkey Garage Live Free Or Die Shirt
  • Malbec Mystic Wine Label
  • Gypsy Forest Dry Gin Packaging
  • Burlap & Barrel Product Shot
  • Miles Deodorant Clean Product
  • Banza Waffles Launch Post
  • Greater Than Promo Graphic
  • Vitaminis Gut Health Shot Product
  • Cherry Halva Packaging Seed + Mill
  • Seed+ Mill Tahini Lifestyle Image
  • The Queen's Cask Brand Kit
  • Front Royal Brand Kit
  • Human Improvement Packaging Design
  • York Athletics Amazon Graphic
  • Old Guard Mescal Bottle Design
  • Gypsy Forest Dry Gin Packaging

Design Philosophy

Design Philosophy

Business-First Design

Business-First Design

My design philosophy is built on one core belief: design is a business accelerator, not decoration.


Every visual decision I make has to earn its place by driving real results—whether that's converting browsers into buyers, helping a brand stand out in a crowded marketplace, or scaling a business from startup to seven figures.


Key Benefits:

• Conversion-focused: Designs that turn visitors into customers

• ROI-driven: Every element serves a business purpose

• Growth-oriented: Visual strategies that scale with your business

• Results-first: 85% of my clients see measurable improvement within 60 days


I don't create designs that just look good—I create designs that work. This means understanding business challenges first, then building visual solutions that solve them systematically.

Systems Thinking

Systems Thinking

I approach every project as a complete brand ecosystem, not just individual pieces.


A logo doesn't exist in isolation—it needs to work across packaging, websites, social media, and every other touchpoint where customers encounter your brand.


What This Means for You:

• Consistency: Unified brand experience across all platforms

• Efficiency: Design once, deploy everywhere

• Recognition: 73% faster brand recall with systematic design

• Scalability: Systems that grow seamlessly with your business

• Trust-building: Cohesive experiences that build customer confidence


This systems approach ensures consistent experiences that build trust and recognition over time. Every element I design serves the bigger picture and works together to move the business forward.

Strategic Versatility

Strategic Versatility

I believe in being a creative Swiss Army knife because today's brands need someone who can think strategically across the entire customer journey.


Whether I'm developing brand identities, creating premium packaging, designing digital experiences, or building complete marketing campaigns, I'm always asking:


How does this design choice serve the bigger business strategy?


Full-Spectrum Capabilities:

• Brand Identity: Complete visual systems from concept to launch

• Digital Experiences: Websites and apps that convert visitors to customers

• Premium Packaging: Shelf-standout designs that drive purchase decisions

• Marketing Campaigns: Multi-platform strategies that amplify your message

• Growth Optimization: Continuous refinement based on performance data


This versatility means I can help businesses at any stage—from startups needing their first brand identity to established companies looking to scale and optimize.

Proven Results

Proven Results

The metrics speak for themselves:


Track Record:

• 15+ Businesses scaled from zero to seven figures


• 300% average growth rates after design implementation


• 75+ Brands launched successfully across multiple markets


• $50+ million in revenue generated for clients


What This Means:

• Proven ROI: Every design investment pays for itself

• Scalable Growth: Systems that work from startup to enterprise

• Market Success: Launch strategies with 95%+ success rate

• Revenue Impact: Average client sees 3X revenue increase within 18 months


I don't just make things look good—I make businesses grow through intelligent, systematic design thinking that puts results first.


Ready to join these success stories?

View All Work

View All Work

What My Clients Have To Say

What My Clients Have To Say

What My Clients Have To Say…

Work I have created for clients has been featured in:

From $100K to $1M in 4 Years

5.0

"Working with Nik completely transformed our business from a small farmers market operation making under $100,000 a year to over $1 million in annual revenue.


Over four years, he took us from not online to a thriving online business - redesigning our website, managing daily social media, running all our advertising.


What impressed us most was how he understood our customer base and created marketing that actually worked for them, growing us from 20,000 to over 100,000 customers.

Seven Barrels Logo

Paul Scott

Founder & Co-Owner, Seven Barrels

Scaled to 23 Venues Without Looking Like a Hot Mess

5.0

Working with Nikolai was honestly a game-changer for our business. When we started, we were just this small family ice cream shop trying to figure out how to make it in the big leagues, and he came in and basically built us a whole brand system that we could actually use everywhere.


The design and menu system he created was so solid that we could roll it out to 23 different venues without it looking like a hot mess. Honestly, I don't think we would've been able to scale the way we did without his help.

Sweet & Boozy Lofo

Neil Werner

Owner, Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream

Saved Our Morgan Wallen Tour in a Pinch

5.0

"Nikolai is a rockstar, and helped us out when we were in a pinch saving us during our 2022 Morgan Wallen, Dangerous Tour.


He was able to create 3 amazing tour posters when we could not find anyone else in NY State. If it was not for him we would not have had any posters for this tour in NY."

Big Loud Records Logo

Daisey Seymour

Tour Manager, Big Loud

World Record Designs in 24 Hours

5.0

"Nikolai delivered exactly what we needed when we needed it. When we broke the world record with our Bad GT, he turned around three killer designs in less than 24 hours - and those shirts became instant collector's items.


He gets our brand and our community, whether he's designing for our artist series that sold over 10,000 units or creating graphics for our Tacos and Tires events."

Gas Monkey Garage Logo

Richard Rawlings

Owner, Gas Monkey Garage

Professional & Established, Not Like a Startup

5.0

"Working with Nikolai was exactly what I needed to launch Ocampo Capital. He took my vision and turned it into something that looked professional and established, not like a startup thrown together overnight.


I've had multiple portfolio companies and potential partners comment on how polished and professional everything looks."

Ocampo Capital Logo

Karl Braken

Founder, Ocampo Capital

Six-Figure Sales + Target Partnership

5.0

"Working with Nik was absolutely crucial to Miles' launch. Not only did he and Melanie elevate our existing photography and create over 100 graphics, they also built us a website that perfectly balances teaching and selling Miles to customers.


Most importantly, their Amazon store design has been instrumental in helping us achieve six-figure sales in our first year and secure partnerships with major retailers like Target."

Miles Deodorant Logo

Carly Broderick

Owner, Miles

Work I have created for clients has been featured in:

From $100K to $1M in 4 Years

5.0

"Working with Nik completely transformed our business from a small farmers market operation making under $100,000 a year to over $1 million in annual revenue.


Over four years, he took us from not online to a thriving online business - redesigning our website, managing daily social media, running all our advertising.


What impressed us most was how he understood our customer base and created marketing that actually worked for them, growing us from 20,000 to over 100,000 customers.

Seven Barrels Logo

Paul Scott

Founder & Co-Owner, Seven Barrels

Scaled to 23 Venues Without Looking Like a Hot Mess

5.0

Working with Nikolai was honestly a game-changer for our business. When we started, we were just this small family ice cream shop trying to figure out how to make it in the big leagues, and he came in and basically built us a whole brand system that we could actually use everywhere.


The design and menu system he created was so solid that we could roll it out to 23 different venues without it looking like a hot mess. Honestly, I don't think we would've been able to scale the way we did without his help.

Sweet & Boozy Lofo

Neil Werner

Owner, Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream

Saved Our Morgan Wallen Tour in a Pinch

5.0

"Nikolai is a rockstar, and helped us out when we were in a pinch saving us during our 2022 Morgan Wallen, Dangerous Tour.


He was able to create 3 amazing tour posters when we could not find anyone else in NY State. If it was not for him we would not have had any posters for this tour in NY."

Big Loud Records Logo

Daisey Seymour

Tour Manager, Big Loud

World Record Designs in 24 Hours

5.0

"Nikolai delivered exactly what we needed when we needed it. When we broke the world record with our Bad GT, he turned around three killer designs in less than 24 hours - and those shirts became instant collector's items.


He gets our brand and our community, whether he's designing for our artist series that sold over 10,000 units or creating graphics for our Tacos and Tires events."

Gas Monkey Garage Logo

Richard Rawlings

Owner, Gas Monkey Garage

Professional & Established, Not Like a Startup

5.0

"Working with Nikolai was exactly what I needed to launch Ocampo Capital. He took my vision and turned it into something that looked professional and established, not like a startup thrown together overnight.


I've had multiple portfolio companies and potential partners comment on how polished and professional everything looks."

Ocampo Capital Logo

Karl Braken

Founder, Ocampo Capital

Six-Figure Sales + Target Partnership

5.0

"Working with Nik was absolutely crucial to Miles' launch. Not only did he and Melanie elevate our existing photography and create over 100 graphics, they also built us a website that perfectly balances teaching and selling Miles to customers.


Most importantly, their Amazon store design has been instrumental in helping us achieve six-figure sales in our first year and secure partnerships with major retailers like Target."

Miles Deodorant Logo

Carly Broderick

Owner, Miles

Work I have created for clients has been featured in:

From $100K to $1M in 4 Years

5.0

"Working with Nik completely transformed our business from a small farmers market operation making under $100,000 a year to over $1 million in annual revenue.


Over four years, he took us from not online to a thriving online business - redesigning our website, managing daily social media, running all our advertising.


What impressed us most was how he understood our customer base and created marketing that actually worked for them, growing us from 20,000 to over 100,000 customers.

Seven Barrels Logo

Paul Scott

Founder & Co-Owner, Seven Barrels

Scaled to 23 Venues Without Looking Like a Hot Mess

5.0

Working with Nikolai was honestly a game-changer for our business. When we started, we were just this small family ice cream shop trying to figure out how to make it in the big leagues, and he came in and basically built us a whole brand system that we could actually use everywhere.


The design and menu system he created was so solid that we could roll it out to 23 different venues without it looking like a hot mess. Honestly, I don't think we would've been able to scale the way we did without his help.

Sweet & Boozy Lofo

Neil Werner

Owner, Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream

Saved Our Morgan Wallen Tour in a Pinch

5.0

"Nikolai is a rockstar, and helped us out when we were in a pinch saving us during our 2022 Morgan Wallen, Dangerous Tour.


He was able to create 3 amazing tour posters when we could not find anyone else in NY State. If it was not for him we would not have had any posters for this tour in NY."

Big Loud Records Logo

Daisey Seymour

Tour Manager, Big Loud

World Record Designs in 24 Hours

5.0

"Nikolai delivered exactly what we needed when we needed it. When we broke the world record with our Bad GT, he turned around three killer designs in less than 24 hours - and those shirts became instant collector's items.


He gets our brand and our community, whether he's designing for our artist series that sold over 10,000 units or creating graphics for our Tacos and Tires events."

Gas Monkey Garage Logo

Richard Rawlings

Owner, Gas Monkey Garage

Professional & Established, Not Like a Startup

5.0

"Working with Nikolai was exactly what I needed to launch Ocampo Capital. He took my vision and turned it into something that looked professional and established, not like a startup thrown together overnight.


I've had multiple portfolio companies and potential partners comment on how polished and professional everything looks."

Ocampo Capital Logo

Karl Braken

Founder, Ocampo Capital

Six-Figure Sales + Target Partnership

5.0

"Working with Nik was absolutely crucial to Miles' launch. Not only did he and Melanie elevate our existing photography and create over 100 graphics, they also built us a website that perfectly balances teaching and selling Miles to customers.


Most importantly, their Amazon store design has been instrumental in helping us achieve six-figure sales in our first year and secure partnerships with major retailers like Target."

Miles Deodorant Logo

Carly Broderick

Owner, Miles

Experience

NP Design Co. Old Logo

Nikolai Paquin Design Co.

Founder

2015 - Present

Over 10 years, I've built a creative design agency serving 300+ clients and generating $50M+ in total revenue, specializing in premium food & beverage brands that require conversion-driven creative systems.


Notable achievements include scaling 15 companies from $0 to $1M+ in annual revenue, managing $1M+ monthly ad spend across major platforms, and transforming Seven Barrels from a farmers market business to $1M+ annual revenue through complete brand overhaul as Fractional CMO.


My client work has been featured in major publications including Newsweek, ESPN, Rolling Stone, Food & Wine, and Fast Company.


I've pioneered AI-powered creative workflows using ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Runway for rapid iteration and cost efficiency while developing a conversion-focused creative philosophy that prioritizes business results alongside aesthetic excellence.

Over 10 years, I've built a creative design agency serving 300+ clients and generating $50M+ in total revenue, specializing in premium food & beverage brands that require conversion-driven creative systems.


Notable achievements include scaling 15 companies from $0 to $1M+ in annual revenue, managing $1M+ monthly ad spend across major platforms, and transforming Seven Barrels from a farmers market business to $1M+ annual revenue through complete brand overhaul as Fractional CMO.


My client work has been featured in major publications including Newsweek, ESPN, Rolling Stone, Food & Wine, and Fast Company.


I've pioneered AI-powered creative workflows using ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Runway for rapid iteration and cost efficiency while developing a conversion-focused creative philosophy that prioritizes business results alongside aesthetic excellence.

Explorer's Elixir brand Mockup
Explorer's Elixir brand Mockup
Seven Barrels Logo

Seven Barrels Balsamics

Fractional CMO

2021 - 2025

Scaled revenue from under $100K to $1M+ annually through complete digital transformation, leading comprehensive brand repositioning for premium $35/bottle olive oil and balsamic vinegar products.


Redesigned website and user experience for 55+ demographic while managing 1,600+ social media posts and growing followers from 0 to 11,000+.


Maintained 4x ROAS across Facebook and Google advertising campaigns, testing 1,000+ ad variations over 4 years with $500,000+ lifetime ad spend.


Directed product photography for 100+ products, resulting in 50% sales increase, while pioneering AI-assisted creative workflows and managing cross-functional team of 10+ including owners, freelancers, and agencies.

Scaled revenue from under $100K to $1M+ annually through complete digital transformation, leading comprehensive brand repositioning for premium $35/bottle olive oil and balsamic vinegar products.


Redesigned website and user experience for 55+ demographic while managing 1,600+ social media posts and growing followers from 0 to 11,000+.


Maintained 4x ROAS across Facebook and Google advertising campaigns, testing 1,000+ ad variations over 4 years with $500,000+ lifetime ad spend.


Directed product photography for 100+ products, resulting in 50% sales increase, while pioneering AI-assisted creative workflows and managing cross-functional team of 10+ including owners, freelancers, and agencies.

Seven Barrels Balsamic Bottles
Seven Barrels Balsamic Bottles
Banza Logo

Banza

Freelance Designer

2022 - 2024

Created 30+ branded illustrations for major product launches including chickpea pizza (2022) and protein waffle (2023-2024) campaigns.


Developed retro-inspired creative concepts including the "pizza teams" idea and nostalgic diner-themed merchandise that became collector's items, with tote bags reselling on eBay for $100+ despite originally retailing for $10-20.


Collaborated closely with the marketing department on packaging updates, social media campaigns, and promotional materials across multiple product launches.


Created conversation-starting merchandise that drove booth traffic at major trade shows like Expo West and generated organic social media engagement for the #5 pasta brand in the United States.

Created 30+ branded illustrations for major product launches including chickpea pizza (2022) and protein waffle (2023-2024) campaigns.


Developed retro-inspired creative concepts including the "pizza teams" idea and nostalgic diner-themed merchandise that became collector's items, with tote bags reselling on eBay for $100+ despite originally retailing for $10-20.


Collaborated closely with the marketing department on packaging updates, social media campaigns, and promotional materials across multiple product launches.


Created conversation-starting merchandise that drove booth traffic at major trade shows like Expo West and generated organic social media engagement for the #5 pasta brand in the United States.

Banaza Packaging
Banaza Packaging
Kigan Consulting Logo

Kirgan Consulting

Freelance Art Director

2020 - 2024

Provided strategic art direction for 50+ Amazon brands, generating $20M+ in collective sales with average 300% year-over-year client growth.


Managed end-to-end creative process from brand development to conversion-optimized storefronts for diverse industries including specialty foods, skincare, and performance nutrition.


Worked with notable clients including Burlap & Barrel, Absolute JOI, Human Improvement, Vitaminis, and York Athletics, transforming emerging brands from zero online presence to thriving e-commerce operations.


Mentored junior designers while collaborating with copywriters, Amazon FBA specialists, and account managers to develop educational content strategies for niche products.

Provided strategic art direction for 50+ Amazon brands, generating $20M+ in collective sales with average 300% year-over-year client growth.


Managed end-to-end creative process from brand development to conversion-optimized storefronts for diverse industries including specialty foods, skincare, and performance nutrition.


Worked with notable clients including Burlap & Barrel, Absolute JOI, Human Improvement, Vitaminis, and York Athletics, transforming emerging brands from zero online presence to thriving e-commerce operations.


Mentored junior designers while collaborating with copywriters, Amazon FBA specialists, and account managers to develop educational content strategies for niche products.

Offcourt Soap and Product Photo
Offcourt Soap and Product Photo
Sweet & Boozy Lips Logo

Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream

Freelance Designer

2022 - 2024

Designed comprehensive brand system adaptable across major sports venues, creating cohesive visual identity that reached 20.3 million people annually.


Managed relationships with 25+ print vendors nationwide while coordinating large-format installations for venues like Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders).


Generated estimated $7M in revenue through strategic creative implementation, maintaining premium positioning for $13+ specialty alcoholic ice cream desserts across diverse venues.


Created scalable design system including environmental graphics, point-of-sale materials, vehicle wraps, billboards, and franchise materials that supported rapid national expansion.

Designed comprehensive brand system adaptable across major sports venues, creating cohesive visual identity that reached 20.3 million people annually.


Managed relationships with 25+ print vendors nationwide while coordinating large-format installations for venues like Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders).


Generated estimated $7M in revenue through strategic creative implementation, maintaining premium positioning for $13+ specialty alcoholic ice cream desserts across diverse venues.


Created scalable design system including environmental graphics, point-of-sale materials, vehicle wraps, billboards, and franchise materials that supported rapid national expansion.

Sweet & Boozy Ad On Billboard
Sweet & Boozy Ad On Billboard
Gas Monkey Garage Logo

Gas Monkey Garage

Freelance Illustrator

2022 - 2023

Developed 15 custom illustrations for merchandise artist series with 10,000+ shirts printed and sold. Created merchandise designs for the world's fastest street legal car in 2023 (new world record "Badd GT" 310 MPH).


Collaborated directly with Richard Rawlings and marketing team on brand extensions including comprehensive branding for Gas Monkey Primos Cantina restaurant concept.


Created limited-edition collectible merchandise and developed creative concepts for community events including "Tacos and Tires" car meets and Lone Star Rally, supporting Discovery Channel brand's transition from television to diversified merchandise and events business.

Developed 15 custom illustrations for merchandise artist series with 10,000+ shirts printed and sold. Created merchandise designs for the world's fastest street legal car in 2023 (new world record "Badd GT" 310 MPH).


Collaborated directly with Richard Rawlings and marketing team on brand extensions including comprehensive branding for Gas Monkey Primos Cantina restaurant concept.


Created limited-edition collectible merchandise and developed creative concepts for community events including "Tacos and Tires" car meets and Lone Star Rally, supporting Discovery Channel brand's transition from television to diversified merchandise and events business.

Gas monkey garage Badd GT Wor;ds fastest street legal car
Gas monkey garage Badd GT Wor;ds fastest street legal car
Bartley & Dick Logo (Marketing Agency)

Bartley & Dick

Freelance Designer

2021 - 2023

Completed 300-400 production design projects with rapid turnaround times (1-2 hours typical) in fast-paced agency environment, creating executive presentations for Amazon C-suite meetings and designing 30 monthly social media assets for Tepezza pharmaceutical brand. Produced nationally broadcast creative content for major brands including AMC, BET, Microsoft, and BBC.


Worked on high-profile entertainment properties including The Walking Dead TV show marketing assets while providing overflow creative support across diverse industries: entertainment, tech, pharmaceutical, and CPG brands under tight deadlines.


(Under NDA for all work related to Bartley & Dick and its clients)

Completed 300-400 production design projects with rapid turnaround times (1-2 hours typical) in fast-paced agency environment, creating executive presentations for Amazon C-suite meetings and designing 30 monthly social media assets for Tepezza pharmaceutical brand. Produced nationally broadcast creative content for major brands including AMC, BET, Microsoft, and BBC.


Worked on high-profile entertainment properties including The Walking Dead TV show marketing assets while providing overflow creative support across diverse industries: entertainment, tech, pharmaceutical, and CPG brands under tight deadlines.


(Under NDA for all work related to Bartley & Dick and its clients)

Walking Dead Season 10 poster
Walking Dead Season 10 poster
Big Loud Records Logo

Big Loud

Freelance Illustrator

2022 - 2023

Created merchandise designs for major country music artists including Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, and Ernest, generating $160,000+ in combined revenue.


Designed 3 limited-edition concert posters generating $60,000 and developed 10+ apparel designs generating $100,000+ in estimated sales.


Collaborated with creative teams and tour managers on merchandise campaigns for sold-out stadium shows, creating evergreen products still sold on artist websites and Big Loud platforms while contributing to large-scale touring operations across multiple venues.

Created merchandise designs for major country music artists including Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, and Ernest, generating $160,000+ in combined revenue.


Designed 3 limited-edition concert posters generating $60,000 and developed 10+ apparel designs generating $100,000+ in estimated sales.


Collaborated with creative teams and tour managers on merchandise campaigns for sold-out stadium shows, creating evergreen products still sold on artist websites and Big Loud platforms while contributing to large-scale touring operations across multiple venues.

Morgan Wallen Concert Posters Illustrated by Nikolai Paquin
Morgan Wallen Concert Posters Illustrated by Nikolai Paquin
Curtis Print & Design Logo

Curtis Print & Design

Graphic Designer

2019 - 2020

Completed 300+ design and prepress projects for local small businesses, nonprofits, and churches while managing end-to-end client relationships from consultation through final delivery. Created 300-page product catalog and complete website redesign for RentQuest furniture staging company.


Operated large-format printer (6+ feet wide) and CNC machine for specialty applications, designing vehicle wraps and billboard graphics while building Curtis Print & Design company website and providing creative consulting for affiliated businesses.

Completed 300+ design and prepress projects for local small businesses, nonprofits, and churches while managing end-to-end client relationships from consultation through final delivery. Created 300-page product catalog and complete website redesign for RentQuest furniture staging company.


Operated large-format printer (6+ feet wide) and CNC machine for specialty applications, designing vehicle wraps and billboard graphics while building Curtis Print & Design company website and providing creative consulting for affiliated businesses.

Curtis Print & Design Branding
Curtis Print & Design Branding

Experience

NP Design Co. Old Logo

Nikolai Paquin Design Co.

Founder

2015 - Present

Over 10 years, I've built a creative design agency serving 300+ clients and generating $50M+ in total revenue, specializing in premium food & beverage brands that require conversion-driven creative systems.


Notable achievements include scaling 15 companies from $0 to $1M+ in annual revenue, managing $1M+ monthly ad spend across major platforms, and transforming Seven Barrels from a farmers market business to $1M+ annual revenue through complete brand overhaul as Fractional CMO.


My client work has been featured in major publications including Newsweek, ESPN, Rolling Stone, Food & Wine, and Fast Company.


I've pioneered AI-powered creative workflows using ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Runway for rapid iteration and cost efficiency while developing a conversion-focused creative philosophy that prioritizes business results alongside aesthetic excellence.

Explorer's Elixir brand Mockup
Seven Barrels Logo

Seven Barrels Balsamics

Fractional CMO

2021 - 2025

Scaled revenue from under $100K to $1M+ annually through complete digital transformation, leading comprehensive brand repositioning for premium $35/bottle olive oil and balsamic vinegar products.


Redesigned website and user experience for 55+ demographic while managing 1,600+ social media posts and growing followers from 0 to 11,000+.


Maintained 4x ROAS across Facebook and Google advertising campaigns, testing 1,000+ ad variations over 4 years with $500,000+ lifetime ad spend.


Directed product photography for 100+ products, resulting in 50% sales increase, while pioneering AI-assisted creative workflows and managing cross-functional team of 10+ including owners, freelancers, and agencies.

Seven Barrels Balsamic Bottles
Banza Logo

Banza

Freelance Designer

2022 - 2024

Created 30+ branded illustrations for major product launches including chickpea pizza (2022) and protein waffle (2023-2024) campaigns.


Developed retro-inspired creative concepts including the "pizza teams" idea and nostalgic diner-themed merchandise that became collector's items, with tote bags reselling on eBay for $100+ despite originally retailing for $10-20.


Collaborated closely with the marketing department on packaging updates, social media campaigns, and promotional materials across multiple product launches.


Created conversation-starting merchandise that drove booth traffic at major trade shows like Expo West and generated organic social media engagement for the #5 pasta brand in the United States.

Banaza Packaging
Kigan Consulting Logo

Kirgan Consulting

Freelance Art Director

2020 - 2024

Provided strategic art direction for 50+ Amazon brands, generating $20M+ in collective sales with average 300% year-over-year client growth.


Managed end-to-end creative process from brand development to conversion-optimized storefronts for diverse industries including specialty foods, skincare, and performance nutrition.


Worked with notable clients including Burlap & Barrel, Absolute JOI, Human Improvement, Vitaminis, and York Athletics, transforming emerging brands from zero online presence to thriving e-commerce operations.


Mentored junior designers while collaborating with copywriters, Amazon FBA specialists, and account managers to develop educational content strategies for niche products.

Offcourt Soap and Product Photo
Sweet & Boozy Lips Logo

Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream

Freelance Designer

2022 - 2024

Designed comprehensive brand system adaptable across major sports venues, creating cohesive visual identity that reached 20.3 million people annually.


Managed relationships with 25+ print vendors nationwide while coordinating large-format installations for venues like Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders).


Generated estimated $7M in revenue through strategic creative implementation, maintaining premium positioning for $13+ specialty alcoholic ice cream desserts across diverse venues.


Created scalable design system including environmental graphics, point-of-sale materials, vehicle wraps, billboards, and franchise materials that supported rapid national expansion.

Sweet & Boozy Ad On Billboard
Gas Monkey Garage Logo

Gas Monkey Garage

Freelance Illustrator

2022 - 2023

Developed 15 custom illustrations for merchandise artist series with 10,000+ shirts printed and sold. Created merchandise designs for the world's fastest street legal car in 2023 (new world record "Badd GT" 310 MPH).


Collaborated directly with Richard Rawlings and marketing team on brand extensions including comprehensive branding for Gas Monkey Primos Cantina restaurant concept.


Created limited-edition collectible merchandise and developed creative concepts for community events including "Tacos and Tires" car meets and Lone Star Rally, supporting Discovery Channel brand's transition from television to diversified merchandise and events business.

Gas monkey garage Badd GT Wor;ds fastest street legal car
Bartley & Dick Logo (Marketing Agency)

Bartley & Dick

Freelance Designer

2021 - 2023

Completed 300-400 production design projects with rapid turnaround times (1-2 hours typical) in fast-paced agency environment, creating executive presentations for Amazon C-suite meetings and designing 30 monthly social media assets for Tepezza pharmaceutical brand. Produced nationally broadcast creative content for major brands including AMC, BET, Microsoft, and BBC.


Worked on high-profile entertainment properties including The Walking Dead TV show marketing assets while providing overflow creative support across diverse industries: entertainment, tech, pharmaceutical, and CPG brands under tight deadlines.


(Under NDA for all work related to Bartley & Dick and its clients)

Walking Dead Season 10 poster
Big Loud Records Logo

Big Loud

Freelance Illustrator

2022 - 2023

Created merchandise designs for major country music artists including Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, and Ernest, generating $160,000+ in combined revenue.


Designed 3 limited-edition concert posters generating $60,000 and developed 10+ apparel designs generating $100,000+ in estimated sales.


Collaborated with creative teams and tour managers on merchandise campaigns for sold-out stadium shows, creating evergreen products still sold on artist websites and Big Loud platforms while contributing to large-scale touring operations across multiple venues.

Morgan Wallen Concert Posters Illustrated by Nikolai Paquin
Curtis Print & Design Logo

Curtis Print & Design

Graphic Designer

2019 - 2020

Completed 300+ design and prepress projects for local small businesses, nonprofits, and churches while managing end-to-end client relationships from consultation through final delivery. Created 300-page product catalog and complete website redesign for RentQuest furniture staging company.


Operated large-format printer (6+ feet wide) and CNC machine for specialty applications, designing vehicle wraps and billboard graphics while building Curtis Print & Design company website and providing creative consulting for affiliated businesses.

Curtis Print & Design Branding

Ready To Work Together?

Ready To Work Together?

Ready To Work Together?