Meet Lily Grace Nolan | Graphic Designer and Creative Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lily Grace Nolan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lily Grace, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is Its Own Reward
Whether it’s a win or a flop, I believe in taking the leap. Risk, at its core, is growth—every bold move I’ve made has shaped my career, expanded my creativity, and deepened my resilience.

Working in the creative industry is inherently competitive and volatile, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Much like in athletics, where you train, adapt, and push limits, I approach my work with the same discipline, strategy, and drive. I think about where I want to go, visualize the steps, and take calculated risks to get there.

Choosing to pursue my master’s abroad at 34 was one of those leaps. I knew I wanted to teach at the university level, and earning my degree at the University of the Arts London was the best way to make that happen. It was challenging, intense, and completely worth it—revitalizing my creative approach, expanding my network, and opening doors to new opportunities.

In any agency environment, freelance project, or brand activation, putting your work out there means being either praised or filleted—but that’s part of the game. Risk fuels reinvention, and every move forward, even the uncertain ones, builds something greater.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art, Design, and Disrupting the Norm
I am both an artist and a designer, but more than anything, I am a storyteller. My work has always been about the psychology behind visuals—how people connect with symbols, brands, and cultural moments. That understanding is what led me to where I am today, working at the intersection of creative strategy, brand storytelling, and visual identity.

I have the grindset of a designer and the heart of an eclectic artist—a balance that allows me to navigate both the commercial and conceptual sides of creativity. I cherish spaces of commodities—strip malls, packaging design, sportswear, the visual noise of fast fashion—not just as a consumer, but as a cultural observer. These environments inspire me because they reveal how we assign meaning to things, how identity is shaped through branding, and how visual language influences belonging.

What Sets My Work Apart?
In art and athletics you have to be willing to fail – and fail fast.
I don’t believe in safe design. I believe in bold, disruptive, and culturally aware design. Whether I’m crafting an editorial campaign, leading a brand activation, or illustrating a risograph print, my work is driven by a sense of cultural interplay—pulling from my own background as a mixed Native Coloradan, my love for subcultures, and my fascination with how design speaks across different audiences.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Ultimate Colorado Week: Start Dirty, End Bougie
As a Colorado girl through and through, I believe the best way to experience this place is to embrace both sides—the rugged, outdoorsy grit and the polished, high-altitude indulgence. So, if my best friend were visiting, we’d start dirty and end bougie, covering everything from scenic hikes to twerk classes and courtside drinks.

Day 1: Hit the Ground Hiking
We’re kicking things off outside—hiking around Brainard Lake or Chautauqua for fresh air and a solid start. Nothing too wild, just good views and good vibes.

Day 2: Free Culture at CU + Brewery Vibes
Exploring CU Boulder’s free museums—the Art Museum, Natural History Museum, and Fiske Planetarium if we’re feeling cosmic. Then, a chill afternoon soaking in that laid-back Boulder energy.

Day 3: A Day in the Foothills
Road trip to Nederland or Estes Park for some small mountain town weirdness, with a stop in Golden on the way back. Fresh air, funky shops, and no real agenda—just good wandering.

Day 4: Bro-night & Local Gems
Time to switch gears. We’d hit vintage shops, catch a local and weird show at The Bug Theatre, and then head to a Nuggets or Avs game for some big-city energy. Im sober so we are chugging water.

Day 5: Twerk Class & Bougie Vibes
Starting the day with a twerk class at Vertical Fusion in Boulder—because why not? Then, we clean up and step into full-on luxury mode—spa treatments, rooftop cocktails, and a night of Aspen-level indulgence in the city at the CLayton in Cheery Creek.

Day 6: Crafts & Home Cooking
Bringing it back to creativity and comfort—a crafting day at home, making something cool, and wrapping up the trip with a home-cooked meal. The perfect way to slow down, reflect, and laugh about all the chaos from the week.

A little dirt, a little dazzle—Colorado is best experienced with both. 😏

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Giving Credit Where It’s Due
Success is never a solo journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people and experiences that have shaped my path. First and foremost, my family—they instilled in me a strong work ethic, a deep appreciation for creativity, and the confidence to take bold leaps.

A major shoutout goes to Camille Black, an incredible Art Director I’ve worked with for the past six years. She’s someone who takes bold risks in her work and pushes creative limits. She’s tough, but in the best way—working with her has elevated my standard for quality, craftsmanship, and fearless creativity.

I’ve always loved learning, and as a non-traditional student at the University of Colorado Boulder, I came to appreciate academic institutions not just as places of study, but as catalysts for community and growth. That foundation, combined with my experience earning my Master’s at the University of the Arts London, reinforced my drive to think bigger and execute with greater intention. Now, I continue seeking out activated creative communities like CU—where I can contribute as both a mentor and educator, shaping the next generation of designers.

I also owe a huge shoutout to the mentors and colleagues who have encouraged me along the way—whether in agency settings, fashion branding, or brand activations. From fellow creatives to marketing strategists and design leaders, their guidance has reinforced the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and pushing creative boundaries.

Website: https://www.nolanfolk.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolanfolk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-grace-nolan-26948155/

Image Credits
Lily Nolan – concept art and photos