Meet the Artist

The Person Behind the Art

Hi, I'm Nolan, the artist behind Textured By Design. Every piece I create is an expression of texture, depth, and intentional design — made with care and a whole lot of passion.

My Story

I grew up in a small town along the Northern California and Oregon border, surrounded by towering redwoods, rugged coastlines, and a close-knit community. From a young age, I always had a passion for art. Whether I was drawing, painting, or creating things with my hands, I found joy in expressing myself through creativity.

As I got older, life took me down different paths, and I wasn't always sure where my artistic passion fit into my future. I spent years exploring different opportunities and trying to figure out what truly inspired me. Even though art remained a constant interest, I never felt like I had found my direction.

Today, that has changed. I have finally found my path through creating and sharing my artwork. What started as a childhood passion has grown into something much more meaningful. Art allows me to connect with others, express my creativity, and build something I am proud of. Looking back, every step of the journey helped lead me to where I am now, and I am excited to continue growing as an artist and business owner.

My Process

Each piece of artwork begins with a canvas and a thin wire mesh that is carefully shaped into sculptural lines and forms. Once the design is complete, the wire mesh is securely stapled to the canvas and covered with plaster strips to create a strong foundation.

After the plaster has fully dried, I apply a minimum of five layers of a custom mixture of joint compound and cement smoother. Each layer is allowed to dry before the next is added, helping to build depth, texture, and durability.

Once the surface has completely cured, I begin an extensive sanding process using multiple grades of sandpaper. This step refines the artwork, creating a smooth and finished surface while preserving the sculptural details.

The final stage involves painting the piece and sealing it with a non-toxic acrylic sealer to protect the artwork and ensure its longevity. This detailed, hands-on process allows me to transform simple materials into unique textured works of art.

My Inspiration

My inspiration has always come from creativity, design, and building things from the ground up. After earning my Associate of Arts degree in Architectural Design Technology, I became fascinated with how large projects are planned and managed. My goal was to become a project manager because I admired the leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills required to bring a project from an idea to reality. While my career has taken different paths, that passion for design and creativity continues to inspire me today and influences both my professional and artistic pursuits.

Let's Connect

I love hearing from people who connect with my work. Feel free to reach out — whether you have a question, want a custom piece, or just want to say hello, Email me or reach out on any social media platforms!