Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Ross
Hi Nicholas, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I think it all started back in middle school when I first started paying attention to advertising—not just as ads, but as a creative outlet. Around the same time, I picked up guitar again, which made me more aware of design and aesthetics, especially in music and other creative mediums. Now, I work as a Creative in Advertising, focused on art and design, and I play in a band that gigs around town and tours. Thanks to my design background, I also create flyers and videos for bands and help out a record label.
I got my start in advertising by studying at Texas State, where I landed internships in Austin and San Antonio. One of my first big opportunities was making wacky social media content for Toaster Strudel back when Tumblr was in its prime. That experience shaped my focus on social media, film, and editorial-style design, eventually leading to jobs where I picked up a mix of creative skills.
Jumping around and learning by doing made all the difference—it’s the reason I was able to create a 40-minute short film to go with one of my band’s albums. The overlap between music and design keeps me inspired, and I love finding ways to merge the two.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The creative process is rarely smooth, especially when you’re refining your taste and honing your skills to match it. The advertising industry, in particular, is comically volatile—shrinking budgets, AI, and holding company monopolies have completely reshaped it in just the last decade. The road ahead will have bumps, but creativity is ultimately about problem-solving, and there’s always room to experiment.
With the ups and downs of my “day job” (and the massive bumps from global events), I’m grateful to have my own design work and music as creative outlets. They give me the freedom to experiment, push boundaries, and develop my own style.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Art Director by training and a designer/musician by trade. At this point I’d say I specialize more in the social/digital realm of Advertising, which does cover a wide range of options that you can pass off as social or digital. I develop social and digital campaigns for brands that are aiming to achieve certain goals.
For my music I am helping develop a sound that the band calls “Heatwave.” Heatwave is our take on warm maximalist new wave and synth pop as opposed to the minimalistic and sometimes dark nature of cold wave.
I’ve written a book, won awards for my advertising and personal design work, released several albums and was thrilled to have played original music to a crowd of 750~ people.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that cynicism, in the right context, can actually be useful—just not 100% of the time. It might sound counterintuitive, but having a slightly skeptical view can push you into new creative territories. When you recognize that everything has been done before, you become more aware of avoiding repetition and finding ways to make something your own.
Does it always pay off? Nope. But as long as you’re creating through your own personal lens (or sometimes a client’s lens), you’re moving in the right direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicholas-ross.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nixxpics
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-ross-48059958/
- Other: https://dontgetlemon.bandcamp.com/
