Nick Marchese

Artist · Designer · Creative Director
Chicago, US.

About

Artist and Creative Director with over a decade of experience shaping visual narratives across the music, fashion, and cannabis industries. Leverages a unique blend of fashion design and branding expertise to develop innovative aesthetics and compelling visual identities for notable bands and brands. Proven ability to drive brand impact through culturally resonant and boundary-pushing creative strategies.

Work

Asian Cougar
|

Creative Director

Chicago, Illinois, US

Aerīz
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Art Director

Chicago, Illinois, US

Summary

Leading art direction for a prominent cannabis company, developing distinctive visual identities, packaging, photoshoots, and product campaigns for multiple brands and product lines.

Highlights

Spearheaded the visual identity development for six distinct cannabis brands (Aeriz, Daze Off, 93Boyz, UpNorth, Fig Farms, Cookies), enhancing market appeal and brand differentiation.

Directed design and visual strategy for "Full Spectrum Truffles" product packaging, marketing campaigns, and digital assets, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.

Entropy.store
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Creative Director, Founder

Chicago, Illinois, US

Summary

Founded and led a streetwear brand, overseeing all creative and operational aspects from team management to global market entry.

Highlights

Directed the brand's visual identity, garment design, and campaign photoshoots, establishing a distinct aesthetic for the streetwear brand.

Managed a multidisciplinary team of designers, photographers, producers, developers, and writers, ensuring cohesive execution of creative projects.

Successfully debuted the first collection in Shoreditch, London, and expanded market reach through pop-ups and stockists across the US, UK, and South East Asia.

Itoya Topdrawer Corp.
|

Creative Content Producer

Chicago, Illinois, US

Summary

Produced compelling visual content for digital and physical platforms, supporting brand marketing and e-commerce initiatives.

Highlights

Developed high-quality e-commerce photography and video content, enhancing online product presentation and customer engagement.

Collaborated with marketing teams to create impactful digital assets for campaigns, promotional materials, and in-store visuals..

Touring leader for all store remodels and new store openings, including Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA, and Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, CA.

Managed special projects including garment design (uniforms), curating music playlists, designing scent scape, and integrating digital displays in-store.

VAM STUDIO
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Associate Creative Director

Chicago, Illinois, US

Summary

Managed creative teams and directed visual identity for a video production company, delivering comprehensive multimedia content for high-profile clients.

Highlights

Managed a team of designers, filmmakers, producers, and writers, overseeing creative projects for a video production company.

Directed brand visual identity, social media content, website design, event design, video pitch decks, motion VFX, and email promotions.

Contributed to brand strategy and optimized pre- and post-production workflows for clients including Apple, Red Bull, and AIDS Foundation of Chicago, with work featured on TRL and Billboard.

Education

Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Advertising Art Direction

Certificates

Streetwear Mastered (Recognized by DAZED DIGITAL)

Issued By

Mastered (curated by Virgil Abloh)

Skills

Creative Direction & Strategy

Art Direction, Visual Identity, Brand Strategy, Campaign Development, Content Strategy, Multimedia Production, Creative Leadership.

Design & Aesthetics

Garment Design, Album Design, Packaging Design, Web Design, Environmental Design, Display Artistry, Photography Direction, Motion Graphics (VFX).

Tools & Technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI, Adobe Creative Suite (Implied).

Project & Operations Management

Project Management, Team Leadership, Budget Management, Vendor Management, Production Workflows, Installation Management, Cross-functional Collaboration.

Marketing & Communication

Social Media Content, Email Promotions, Brand Storytelling, Client Relations, Pitch Deck Development.