About Nick

After earning a B.S. in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Minnesota, I spent a few years working as a graphic designer at agencies and companies in the Twin Cities before deciding to switch gears and pursue another passion of mine --- teaching. I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Special Education from Liberty University in May of 2013. Since then, I have had the honor and privilege of spending some years teaching graphic design and art, and some years teaching special education — it’s truly been wherever the Lord has called me at the time!

While I love teaching, I don't think I'll ever be able to give up painting and designing. My wife would tell you I always have a number of projects going. I live in Monticello, Minnesota with my beautiful wife Stephanie and my amazing sons Dexter, Rowan, and Spencer.

Mission
We recently returned to the states after serving and teaching with Africa Inland Mission at Rift Valley Academy in Kijabe, Kenya. I had the absolute honor to teach graphic design, visual communications, photography, yearbook, and painting courses to high school missionary kids. In short, it was a dream.

Beyond RVA, we had the privilege of forming relationships with our friends in the Kijabe community, including serving at two local churches. Pastor Jon Karanja became a close friend of ours. Pastor Jon began the “Church Under the Tree” many years ago for those displaced and living in the Great Rift Valley during political war. I had a the privilege of live painting at his church three times, and was even invited by Pastor Jon to preach for the first time in my life — a tremendous honor! We also had the privilege of serving with Stephen Allen, an incredible man of God and leader at Calvary Baptist Church. I was honored to be able to make some paintings for their church walls as well and partner with them on a few projects.

My dream is to continue to partner with these incredible men and their churches in the future in any way we can help support them and their congregation.

Painting & Portraits
I love creating and designing in all kinds of styles - impressionistic, bold, whimsical, vintage, colorful, abstract, etc. My favorite artists and visionaries are Akiane Kramarik, Monet, DeGas, and Teil Duncan. 

In addition to portraits and landscapes, I also do "live" painting during church worship services, weddings, and events. Please contact me if you'd like to discuss having me paint live at your church or event!

Graphic Design
I have designed for the following clients:

Best Buy, Sun Country Airlines, Fiskars Craft, Gingher, HealthPartners, Stratysis, ABC Broadcasting, Radio Disney, 21 Rocks Video Games, Denver Public Schools and more. I am continually freelancing for a number of different local agencies and companies.