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Image of Colby Nichols

Colby Nichols


Creative Direction
Art Direction
Design
Illustration
Seattle, WA




I am a creative leader who dreams big, supports others, and brings a bright spark to teams and projects


My approach to work and creative management is heart-forward with a focus on collaboration. I spent the last 12 years co-running the collaboration-focused design and illustration studio, Jolby. During that time I co-founded an award-winning space of inclusivity, put to use my unique approach to leading projects and solving big problems, directed projects across multiple teams for global entertainment and consumer brands with a focus on storytelling, recruited, cultivated, and inspired creative teams, led artists in commissions including the creation of artwork, voice over, music, animation, design, writing, editing, and coding, maintained meaningful client and vendor partnerships, did the hard thing, shared the spotlight, and made people smile.

Currently Art Director, Print Innovation for Magic: The Gathering at Wizards of the Coast.






 Clients I’ve worked with








 What my teams say about me


“It’s hard for me to put into words what Colby has done for life, my career and my creativity. For past and present Jolby’s he inspired so many of us with how he thinks, his weird drawings, and his wonderful spirit that helped shape the culture of our studio.”
Josh Kenyon, Owner at Jolby. Business partner of 12 years.

“ I’ve been working on projects with Colby for over 10 years. He is one of the most motivated, caring, and talented people I’ve ever had the pleasure to collaborate with. It’s been a privilege to see his work evolve and mature over the years, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity when we get to work together.”
- Corey Warning, Co-Founder at Rose City Games. Client.

“Colby has a palpable passion for story-telling and otherworldly wonder throughout his creative vision, finding ways to incorporate a deeper meaning in the simplest moments. His ability to improvise and foster collaboration in his client and team relationships is a perfect catalyst for unexpected results and vigor in the creative process.”
- Brett Stenson, Artist. Employee of 7 years.

“Colby defies the title of Boss because he never allows anyone to feel like they or their ideas are inferior. He creates an inclusive space where creativity thrives as well as the people. He is also good at making noises.”
- Sarah Martin, Art Director at Jolby. Employee of 7 years.






 What I bring to teams and projects


Leadership
Creative Direction
Art Direction
Writing
Packaging
Branding
Illustration
Graphic Design
Mentor
Extra-Soft Skills
Artist Recruitment
Team Management
Major Collaborator
Riding the Weird
Generous Complimenter
Yes, and
Lore Scholar
Dungeon Master
Commander Pilot
D&D Teacher
Creative Spark
General Wizardry






 Talks, Shows


Adobe MAX︎︎︎
Creative Mornings︎︎︎
Wacom Podcast︎︎︎
 ICON
Design Camp
Meteor Famicase Exhibition
“Home is Where You Make It”
“Sea Legs”
“Shapes & Smiles”
“The King’s 6th Finger”
“Monsters Under Bridges”
“Triforce Tribute”
Portland Art Museum
Cartoon Network Anniv.

 Press, Awards


Dwell
Juxtapoz
The Dieline
It’s Nice That
Rosey Awards
Print Design Annual
HOW Design Annual
Voted “Best Wizard”






 Work Experience


2024 - Current
Art Director,
Print Innovation
Magic: The Gathering
2023
Freelance Illustration, Design, Direction
2010 - ‘22
Co-Founder,
Creative Director
@ Jolby
2004 - ‘10
Graphic Designer
to Art Director
@ Various






 D&D classes and Dungeon Master for hire


I have tought hundreds of people how to play Dungeons & Dragons in a casual setting and as a team-building event for companies (both online and in-person). Inquire below about a session!







Special Thanks:
Photo by Sarah Martin
Animated D20 “Geo Bud” by Tymo