Hi, I’m Lee “Nic” Nichols IV, a Creative Director and branding/design leader with over 20 years of experience supporting marketing, digital imaging, and e-commerce. I excel at building strong client relationships, identifying sustainable, cost-effective brand strategies, and guiding cross-functional teams to deliver compelling omnichannel experiences. I specialize in turning ambitious brands into scalable, revenue-driving platforms through thoughtful design leadership, process improvements, and strategic partnerships between clients and media. I’m passionate about leveraging AI and digital storytelling to expand growth—from local to global—and delivering measurable results for every project.

Lee (Nic) H. Nichols IV

Hi, I’m Lee “Nic” Nichols IV, a Creative Director and branding/design leader with over 20 years of experience supporting marketing, digital imaging, and e-commerce. I excel at building strong client relationships, identifying sustainable, cost-effective brand strategies, and guiding cross-functional teams to deliver compelling omnichannel experiences. I specialize in turning ambitious brands into scalable, revenue-driving platforms through thoughtful design leadership, process improvements, and strategic partnerships between clients and media. I’m passionate about leveraging AI and digital storytelling to expand growth—from local to global—and delivering measurable results for every project.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Lee “Nic” Nichols IV, a Creative Director and branding/design leader with over 20 years of experience supporting marketing, digital imaging, and e-commerce. I excel at building strong client relationships, identifying sustainable, cost-effective brand strategies, and guiding cross-functional teams to deliver compelling omnichannel experiences.

I specialize in turning ambitious brands into scalable, revenue-driving platforms through thoughtful design leadership, process improvements, and strategic partnerships between clients and media. I’m passionate about leveraging AI and digital storytelling to expand growth—from local to global—and delivering measurable results for every project.

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Work Experience

Director of Accounts at The Artful Union (TAU)
January 1, 2019 - November 25, 2025
Develop and manage strategic partnerships to deliver branding and eCommerce strategies. Develop and deliver RFPs. Provide account management for ~10 clients concurrently, ranging from solopreneurs to Fortune 500 firms. Lead a team of six creative and web designers. Serve as primary liaison between clients and Creative; manage project budgeting, scheduling, and key milestones from presentation to delivery. Secured retainers for >40% of client base; maintained 95% client retention rate over three consecutive years through exceptional relationship management and service delivery. Managed large-scale product photoshoots for 400+ products, including building sets on location. Increased clients’ social media engagement by 50%+ using KPIs across major platforms. Delivered 100+ websites and developed new revenue streams to expand growth from local to global. Managed annual nonprofit support, often with major donors, including full branding package and website.
Account Executive at The Artful Union (TAU)
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019
Led production of integrated marketing campaigns that combined traditional and digital media to deliver comprehensive brand experiences and improve market positioning. Built and maintained strong client relationships to drive brand development and differentiation. Conducted market research to support proposals and align deliverables with client goals. Achieved a 30% increase in annual revenue through strategic account management and upselling services; reduced average project turnaround time by 25% through process optimization and workflow improvements. Produced 75+ RFP responses and delivered 200+ projects for 60+ clients.
Director of Marketing and Communications (US) at Gizmon Co. Ltd.
September 1, 2012 - September 1, 2012
Recruited to lead the launch and marketing of Gizmon iCa, the innovative iPhone case ecosystem. Created US distribution and fulfillment models. Designed English catalogs, advertisements, and printed materials. Developed a library of PR and social media assets to accelerate product placements. Doubled distribution network by 50% through partnerships with 10 major retail chains and online marketplaces. Secured 50+ media placements (NYT, Gizmodo, Macworld, UK Daily Mail, Wired, WSJ). Introduced brand to US market and increased global sales by 100% within six months. Executed marketing strategy including social media campaigns, email marketing, press releases, brand ambassadors, and influencer partnerships.
Owner at FourCornerStore.com
July 1, 2012 - July 1, 2012
Founded analog film supply and accessory store to complement global blog Four Corners Dark. Directed all facets of e-commerce development and strategy (web assets, e-commerce systems, workflows). Sourced products; directed website design and programming; led social media campaigns. Increased sales by 50% year over year; built an online community of 10,000+ active members; established sustainability values through eco-friendly packaging and shipping. Developed branding elements and messaging to reinforce unique identity; produced engaging content (descriptions, blogs, tutorials).
Director of Production at Dean Digital Imaging
June 1, 2011 - June 1, 2011
Oversaw the complete digital imaging process from concept to final delivery. Led a cross-functional team of 18 photographers, illustrators, and filmmakers. Specialized in automotive, product, healthcare, and lifestyle projects; established workflow and resource allocation to meet client needs. Led art direction for 20+ large-scale automotive and law enforcement shoots per year; delivered a high-volume, high-quality output; contributed to database development for Mercedes-Benz with 1M+ GB of data; collaborated on ~200 RFP responses annually.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography at University of Delaware
January 11, 2030 - November 25, 2025
Associate in Specialized Technology, Photography at The Art Institutes
January 11, 2030 - November 25, 2025
Pre-College Program in Photography and Design at Rhode Island School of Design
January 11, 2030 - November 25, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.