Art + Design + Illustration

ABOUT

Creative with extensive background in leading creative vision, ideation, strategy, and execution. Comprehensive experience working with clients, leading creative teams, and delivering exceptional work.

Experience building client relationships and growing accounts. Proficient in leading internal and client-facing presentations of concepts, strategy, and design. Adept at leading ideation and brainstorming sessions, and applying a strong understanding of industry innovations, trends, and history.

Directed and managed teams of creative professionals. Considerable history of mentoring and providing leadership to team members.


I pride myself on creating design that delivers results for clients.
I understand brands and how best to represent marketing and design environments.


“Brett has an encyclopaedic knowledge of his subject matter, that combined with his calm and unflappable approach to his work make him a ‘go to’ guy within the industry. He has a huge passion in motorsport, but his abilities are far broader, encompassing leadership, management and design across any media and a plethora of sporting platforms.”
Stephen Gillespie - Head of Digital & Creative Services, JMI/CSM Sports & Entertainment

“Brett is the best of two worlds. Professionally, I could not have asked for a better manager and mentor. Personally, he is a genuine human being and friend. Brett managed me for over seven years while I was at CSM/JMI and I am better because of it. His ability to get the best out of people, and a brief, went unmatched. He lives and breaths great design, and is consistently building up his already vast knowledge base to make himself even more effective. Brett is also a killer creative and has a knack for making amazing design look effortless. Seriously, go look at his portfolio and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Brett is hands-down one of the best and would be a great addition to any company or freelance project.”
Michael Meek - Reported directly to Brett

“Brett was my design manager while I was at JMI/CSM and he was the best I've had in my 20+ year. He helped teach me the ropes of being in a bigger agency, was always there for design advice when needed and allowed us as designers to manage our own workload, as micromanaging wasn't in his managerial style. Brett is also great at connecting with his co-workers, and specifically the designers he manages on a creative and personal level. This trait makes for a great working environment as it fueled the camaraderie of the design team to work together in putting out highly creative, visually appealing and powerful design. Working under Brett while at JMI/CSM, I put out some of the best and biggest work of my career, learned a ton about the industry and had the most fun as part of a design team. It was hands down my favorite full-time job as a designer to date and had me looking forward to heading to the office more often than not! I would highly recommend Brett for any managerial design position or freelance project.”
Ben Porter - Reported directly to Brett


Clients

Ally
America 250
Arrow McLaren SP
Brut
Budweiser
Circle K Speed Street
Crown Royal
Diageo
DirecTV
Gainbridge
GearWrench

 

Harley Davidson
Henkel
hhgregg
Hisense
INDYCAR
Irwin Tools
Jackson Hewitt
Jeremiah Weed
Johnnie Walker
LiftMaster
Lilly Diabetes

 

Matco Tools
Mazda
Mission Foods
Mercedes AMG
National Guard
PNC
Smirnoff Ice
Subway
UBS
UPS
Verizon


EDUCATION

Herron School of Art + Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Communications


Accolades

NASCAR.COM: Top Cup Series Paint Schemes, 2011
Just Marketing International Employee of the Month, 2010
NASCAR.COM: Best Paint Schemes, 2009
Who’s Who in America, 2009, 2008
PRSA/IABC Landmarks of Excellence, Award of Merit, 2003
Indianapolis 500 Festival Art in Motion Finalist, 2003
Pontiac Design the Daytona 500 Pace Car Finalist, 2002
Herron School of Art Senior Show, 2000
Vincennes University Alumni Art Show, 2000
Vincennes University Student Art Show, 1996, 1995


PUBLICATIONS

Which Driver Has The Best Paint Scheme For 2014? DailyPitstop.com, 2014, 2013
The Paint Scheme Guy, The Final Lap Weekly (Radio and Podcast), 2013
Best of NASCAR 2012; Best Paint Schemes, NASCAR Illustrated, 2013
Bloomfield native making a name in motor sports world for his race car paint designs, Greene County Daily World, 2011
Nicholson drew motivation from doubting college professor, Greene County Daily World, 2011
In The Groove With Brett Nicholson, The Paint Scheme Guy​​​​​​​, RubbingsRacing.com, 2011
Bloomfield grad leaving mark on motorsports, Greene County Daily World, 2005
Nicholson's art work to be on display in Indy, Greene County Daily World, 2003
Bloomfield graduate a finalist for design of Daytona 500 pace car, Greene County Daily World, 2002
Art in Motion, Indy 500 Festival, 2003


SKILLS

Creative Direction
Creative Strategy
Concepting and Ideation

 

Brand Development
Print Communication
Experiential Design

 

Project Management
Photography
Digital Media


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