Check Out Nick Hughes’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Hughes

Hi Nick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been using digital art software for the past 23 years and working as a professional artist for nearly as long. After graduating from CU Boulder in 2009, I immediately opened my own art studio, diving headfirst into a career that blended painting, design, illustration, and every creative medium I could get my hands on. I never wanted to be confined to just one discipline—mastering multiple forms of art took longer, but that breadth of expertise has made me a formidable force as both an artist and entrepreneur.

About eight years ago, I started Pureblind, a creative studio specializing in artistic design and vehicle wraps. I launched it with almost nothing—no equipment, no studio, and barely any money in my bank account. Somehow, against all odds, I not only got it off the ground but built something incredible. Today, Pureblind operates out of a 5,000-square-foot creative space filled with massive printers, high-powered computers, and a talented team bringing bold ideas to life every day.

At our core, we’re art nerds—obsessed with aesthetics, composition, and craftsmanship. But more importantly, we know how to translate artistic vision into real-world impact. Whether we’re designing for businesses that need high-visibility marketing or private clients who want something truly unique, we treat every project as a work of art. Because in the end, people want things that look amazing and work flawlessly. That’s what we do.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any business owner has had a perfectly smooth journey. I’ve faced my fair share of personal and professional challenges over the past decade—life tests that forced me to grow, adapt, and evolve to get where I am today. Nothing about this has been easy, and the struggles never really stop. As soon as you solve one problem, another fire starts somewhere else. In hindsight, it can all look like a smooth progression, but in the moment, it can feel like the walls are closing in around you.

One of the biggest challenges we faced was the lockdown during COVID. I’m still surprised that Pureblind made it through that. We wanted to do the right thing and temporarily close the shop until the situation was under control, but in hindsight, we were one of the only wrap businesses that actually did. Every other shop we’ve spoken to kept running through the shutdown, while we had to restart our sales pipeline from scratch. It was brutal, but that forced us to adapt—we pivoted from primarily working on custom cars and design-heavy projects to focusing on commercial wraps and the off-road market. That shift ended up being a defining moment for Pureblind, and today, those same areas of business continue to drive our success.

Another major challenge has been building the right system—the right people, the right equipment, and the right workflow to consistently deliver the best possible product. After years of refining our approach, I think we’ve finally struck the perfect balance. Our process is dialed in to maximize quality, longevity, and ROI while still remaining highly competitive on pricing. We’ve reached a point where we can confidently say we provide the best value in the industry—not because we’re the cheapest, but because we’ve mastered our craft. We don’t cut corners, we don’t overcharge, and we genuinely care about our clients’ success.

At the end of the day, every struggle we’ve faced has given us perspective. It’s allowed us to appreciate what we’ve built, and more importantly, the people who trust us with their brands and their vehicles. That trust is everything to us, and it’s why we approach every project with the same level of care and passion that got us through the toughest times.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I approach every project with an artistic perspective—it’s instinctual for me. I’ve always felt that I can communicate more effectively through visual art than with words. My obsession with digital art started in grade school, but when I went to college, digital art degrees didn’t exist yet. Instead, I found myself immersed in painting and art history, which, in hindsight, was the best thing that could have happened to me. It gave me a strong foundation to build upon, allowing me to merge traditional and digital techniques in ways that weren’t possible before.

For example, I once painted on a piece of cherry wood, photographed it, digitally illustrated over the image, and then printed the digital artwork onto clear vinyl to overlay on the original painting. The result was a fusion of digital and traditional art, each layer interacting in a way that created a completely new expression. A decade ago, some would have called that “cheating,” but now, there’s a greater understanding that digital art is just as valid as any traditional medium. In fact, combining them at a high level creates a new form of mixed media that stands as its own legitimate art form.

Over the years, my style has evolved, but a few core elements have remained the same. I aim to create resonance and dialogue—art that tells a story while making the viewer wonder how it was even made. My work thrives on bold composition, dramatic lighting, rich color, and the tension between chaos and refinement. I love playing with contrast—balancing the sublime with the aggressive, the polished with the raw.

I want my work to demand attention. Whether you love it or not, my goal is for you to at least appreciate the execution, the craftsmanship, and the intent behind it. Exaggerated forms, high-impact lines, and powerful colors are my signature elements. I want my work to feel alive—to yell at you rather than whisper.

That passion for bold, high-impact art is exactly what led me into the world of vehicle wraps and “art cars.” To me, there is no better canvas than a moving piece of artwork, traveling through a city, commanding attention. A well-executed vehicle wrap cuts through the sea of black, white, and grey cars—it forces you to look.

Unlike static artwork, a wrap can go anywhere—it moves indoors, outdoors, sells a product, or exists purely as self-expression. Beyond aesthetics, it even serves a functional purpose by protecting the vehicle’s paint, making it particularly valuable for high-end and off-road vehicles. The combination of art, design, engineering, and utility makes wraps a uniquely powerful medium, and I thrive on the challenge of making every piece as striking and effective as possible.

Even in my personal life, all of my vehicles are wrapped, and it’s an instant feedback loop as an artist. At nearly every stoplight, gas station, or parking lot, someone comes up to tell me they love my wrap. That kind of real-world engagement is something few art forms can offer. Seeing that reaction fuels my passion and reminds me why I do what I do—it’s not just about making something look good; it’s about creating an experience.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I firmly believe that we are the sum of all the people we’ve ever interacted with—a blend of the influences we’ve paid the most attention to, both good and bad. That’s why surrounding yourself with like-minded, driven, and positive individuals is crucial. Growth happens organically when you have the right attitude. Strong, successful people naturally gravitate toward others who share their mindset, and once those connections are made, it’s up to you to nurture the relationships that matter most.

Growing up, I wouldn’t have considered myself the most popular kid in school by any means. But as soon as I started my professional career, things changed. I quickly found a network of people who shared my artistic vision and ambition—people who recognized the potential in what I was creating. Over time, this translated into the business world as well. As my work gained recognition, my network expanded, and I found myself surrounded by allies who believed in what I was doing and wanted to collaborate.

Now, my network is so vast that it can be hard to keep up with everyone. But I’ve learned that deep, meaningful connections don’t require constant interaction. People who are on the same journey—whether in business, family, or creative pursuits—understand that time is limited. The key is making every conversation intentional and valuable, rather than just frequent.

At the end of the day, who you surround yourself with determines how far you go. Yes, knowledge and skill are important, but who you know often shapes your opportunities more than what you know. Being a lone wolf has its appeal, but real growth—the kind that pushes you beyond your own limits—requires the support, insight, and strength of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pureblind.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/pureblind
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pureblind/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pureblind