NolenStrals_2.jpg

Friendly

Nolen_Strals_very_pro.jpg

Professional

Nolen_stunt_double_2.jpg

Committed

I work directly with clients across the United States bringing my unique skills, perspective, and deep experience to bear for clients as diverse as New York mayoral candidates, Nashville indie rock bands, and legal cannabis consumables.

For the right projects, I’m also open to partner and collaborate with other studios and agencies in a variety of capacities. I can be a creative lead, contribute my specific specialties like custom lettering and package design, or consult in a variety of ways.

For 12 years I was a partner at the well-respected creative studio Post Typography in Baltimore, MD. From 2021–2024 I lent my creative talents and mentorship of young designers to agencies in Birmingham, AL. I was a member of the adjunct faculty in Graphic Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art for over 10 semesters and co-authored a widely-used book on type and lettering for PA Press (which was also translated for a French edition).

My approach to design is inherently strategic and, as such, it helps my clients find and define their voice and their vision.

You will learn that I create far more for than “pretty things.” The conceptual depth and strength of the work has repeatedly helped my clients better understand themselves and express themselves to their audiences. Every decision is made with the immediate moment and the future in mind.

Fair Warning: When you ask me for something, I won’t always do exactly what you asked for. I read between the lines of your request, consider the total context, both tangible and intangible, cultural and emotional, the things you’ve told me and the things you didn’t think to consider, to create solutions that not only look great but resonate on a deeper level.

If you want a creative partner who will become your biggest fan, who you may end up texting things like “I’m literally crying” (a recent respsonse from an overjoyed client), and who wants to help you push things farther and stand out from everyone else you’re up against, get in touch.

The future is a collaboration. Let’s work together.

Client List
(there’s always room for more)

2SP Brewing Co.
Alexander Design Studio
Blue Bimini / Sail Alyosha
Canal Cat Films
Chart + Foster
Cohere
Constant Artists Management
Explosions In The Sky
Future Islands
Haricot Vert Films
Harvest Roots Ferments
Holler and Hum
Johns Hopkins Film Society
Umar Khan
Little Devil / Suzy Critchlow
Livewire Drinks
Maryland Film Festival
Method Ink Printing
Henry Owings / Chunklet Graphic Control
Paradise Framing
Rust Never Sleeps
Sierra Magazine
Taharka Bros. Ice Cream
Temporary Residence Ltd.
Thread Coffee
Union Craft Brewing
Upper Wilds / Thrill Jockey Records
VG+ Records