Let your imagination run wild.
Some ideas begin with a spark, but others may take more time to kindle… Are yours smoldering just beneath the surface?
Founded by Nicole Smolen, SMOLDER® is a creative studio specializing in design, photography, and production. It’s a place for emerging artists, innovators, and creators of every kind.
Nicole’s background gives her a unique approach to each endeavor. More on that below…
About the Founder
Originally from Georgia, Nicole Smolen was raised in California and studied in London before graduating with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts at CSUN.
Nicole champions stories that raise important questions and challenge viewers to look beneath the surface. In addition to top-tier commercials and music videos, she has produced several award-winning films, many of which debuted at acclaimed festivals ranging from Palm Springs and Tribeca to Cannes. Besides being certified in AVID Media Composer, she specializes in Movie Magic Budgeting/Scheduling, Final Cut Pro, Google Workspace, and the Adobe Suite. She has also worked as an actor, production assistant, coordinator, unit production manager, producer, director, writer, and casting director.
Her foray into photography began in the college darkroom, where she spent hours dancing to curated playlists and watching images magically appear on Ilford photo paper. Loading, shooting, developing, and printing require patience... This art form reminds Nicole to take risks and trust the process. Aside from film and digital photography, retouching and editing are also part of her toolkit.
While working with burgeoning artists and filmmakers, she developed an eye for graphic design. From logos and business cards to pitch decks and billboards, she has designed for production companies, tufters, ceramicists, makeup artists, real estate developers, hardware stores, and music festivals.
Nicole is a self-starter and hopes to never stop learning.
