We were lucky to catch up with Nathaniel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nathaniel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My most meaningful project thus far has been Brewhalla, a hotel/market/venue/food hall in Fargo, ND. The concept was being spearheaded by Drekker Brewing, a local brewery that was making a name for itself nationally and already had an incredible brand. This was also my first large project after I started working towards my goal of going solo as a designer focusing on brand and illustration. The idea of Brewhalla was just so audacious yet exciting, I knew I had to try be a part of it in some way.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My love of drawing and design led me to my career in the advertising and branding world. Here is where I learned the power of what great design can accomplish. Residing in North Dakota, I’m currently the creative/art director and partner at Drekker Brewing/Brewhalla. In what little spare time I have, I also operate Foley, a design studio focusing on brand identity and illustration. I help brands of all kinds stand out visually by creating kick-ass graphics with our one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I first met my business partners first as clients. They had already started a very successful brewery called Drekker Brewing and when I heard of their crazy new undertaking I knew I had to talk to them. I remember seeing the press release in our local paper and that same day I began making a super quick and dirty self promotion piece I could go deliver in-person to them and try get their attention. Apparently nobody else had done this yet, or shown that type of eagerness. All that to say is I was hired to create their logo and some brand assets to help them get going. Over the next year working to open Brewhalla I think we realized we all made an amazing team and things grew from there.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Currently its doing projects in my home city. Seeing my work on a regular basis and actively working to improve my own community is by far the most rewarding. I love helping any client improve their brand, but helping a local business where I can see the impact and influence is so much more fulfilling. Plus, its pretty rad to be able to just swing by and chat with them face-to-face and get to know them beyond just a professional relationship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studiofoley.com
- Instagram: @studio.foley
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-navratil-6298374/
- Other: https://dribbble.com/nathaniel-navratil
