Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Oldham.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was a senior at Belton High School and, unlike it seemed for everyone else around me, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I was never big on the traditional education route, and for a long time I thought that might mean I’d never really be successful.
The only thing that ever consistently held my attention was marketing—especially billboards along the highway and those full-page color ads in magazines you’d flip through while waiting your turn at the barbershop. Something about them always stuck with me.
That interest finally turned into something real at a local career fair. Out of all the booths there, the only one I stopped at was for Texas State Technical College—and if I’m being honest, it was mostly because they were giving out free pens. But while grabbing one, I noticed they offered more than the typical trade programs. They also had degrees and certifications in commercial art.
The program was solid and taught me a lot, but I was still the same kid who never loved school. It wasn’t until after I graduated and started working under a few Art Directors that I really fell in love with the industry.
Those Art Directors all seemed to live in Austin, so naturally that city became my north star. I got obsessed with the creative work coming out of places like GSD&M, McGarrah Jessee, and Helms Workshop. In my mind, Austin became the measuring stick—if I could land a creative job there or make work good enough to be seen around the city, it would mean I was on the right track, and maybe this whole graphic design thing wasn’t a bad idea after all.
Fast forward a few jobs and a lot of projects later, and I’m lucky enough to be a Senior Graphic Designer at Circuit of The Americas, while also doing contract work on the side. In May of 2024, one of the most recognizable billboards in downtown Austin—the one on top of YETI’s headquarters—featured my work. It’s a rotating board with three ad spots, and between COTA and my contract work, my designs filled two of them.
I continue to feel fortunate to work on meaningful projects with some truly great people and companies. And while I still sometimes feel like that same kid who isn’t always sure of the next right move, I know he’d be proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. After almost 20 years in the industry, I’ve also learned that traditional education isn’t for everyone. What matters most is finding something you genuinely care about and putting in the work. I’m grateful I found that—and I still truly love what I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced is my fear of failure. My life—and my career—haven’t followed a traditional path. Without a traditional four-year degree, I knew I’d have to work harder and longer than my competitors. Along the way, a small voice crept in, telling me I must have missed a few turns—that the doors opening for me were only the ones in the back of the house, down the alley. I’ve since learned to recognize that voice as imposter syndrome. While it still gets the better of me at times, I’ve learned how to use it—not as a limitation, but as motivation to keep pushing forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a senior graphic designer and brand builder focused on creating timeless, thoughtful design that elevates brands and tells meaningful stories. With experience leading creative teams and shaping identities across sports, lifestyle, and consumer brands, I bring a strategic approach to every project — balancing concept, craft, and consistency. Whether launching a new brand or executing at scale, I’m driven by work that feels intentional, authentic, and built to last.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My father is Rocky Balboa, Wyatt Earp, and Tommy Shaw all rolled into one. Some of my favorite childhood memories were spent riding shotgun in his ’85 Chevy square-body, classic rock cranked loud—STYX, Boston, Journey, etc. To this day, those same songs still find their way into my daily rotation, taking me right back to that seat beside him, rolling down the road.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zacholdham.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacholdham/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachloldham/
- Other: https://dribbble.com/zachloldham
