Brand Alchemy Quiz

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TAKE ME TO THE QUIZ

I fuse compelling human stories by blending the art of photography, media, and fashion

THIS IS MORE THAN MY VIBE—IT’S MY CALLING, THE MISSION OF MY SOUL.
I’M HERE TO HELP YOU ALIGN YOUR INNER CORE WITH YOUR EXTERNAL WORLD.

Crafting Magic and Soul in Every Frame

I began my journey by sharing snippets of my life and work on Instagram at @nickonken, aiming to connect with and inspire others on their paths to crafting their own creative brands. Today, my voice extends beyond Instagram—you can tune into my podcast, Identity Alchemy Podcast with Nick Onken, where I explore deeper dialogues on creativity. Additionally, I express my artistic vision through custom hat designs at Onken Made and engage in thoughtful content discussions on my blog.

MY PHILOSOPHY

While the usual approach to personal branding can feel contrived or plain, I infuse every project with the magic and expertise of building global campaigns for the brightest stars and biggest brands.

Each personal brand is an epic saga, comparable to crafting a blockbuster campaign. What truly sets my work apart is my ability to not just see, but capture the soul—creating photos that resonate deeply and tell a story that’s as unique as you are.

WORK WITH ME

IT’S ABOUT BRINGING THAT INTANGIBLE MAGIC INTO EVERY SHOT, EVERY CAMPAIGN, EVERY MOMENT WE CREATE TOGETHER.

In my world, I don’t just take pictures—I craft entire universes tailored to each individual’s essence.

FROM VISION TO REALITY – TRACING THE PATH OF CREATIVE DISCOVERY AND SOULFUL EXPRESSION

MY JOURNEY:

4. MY INNER ALCHEMY AND PERSONAL GROWTH CHALLENGES

1. THE SPARK OF CREATIVITY BEGINS

2. DISCOVERING “LIFESTYLE DESIGN”

6. EMBRACING AUTHENTIC SELF-EXPRESSION

3. BUILDING THE ONKEN BRAND

5. EVOLVING INTO IDENTITY ALCHEMY

My journey continues with a focus on self-expression, authenticity, and alignment. My current offerings include the Identity Alchemy Course, personal brand photoshoots, branding agency services, and wearable art with custom Totem Crown hats.

I was born into a middle-class family in a suburb north of Seattle. My creative journey began with graphic design, transitioning from a job in book publishing to freelancing. I experienced both freedom and hardships during my “Ramen Days,” but embracing photography sparked a pivotal shift.

Tim Ferris’ The Four Hour Work Week introduced me to the concept of lifestyle design, inspiring my journey into commercial photography. This led to a trip to Africa for a non-profit, sparking my passion for photography and a deeper sense of social consciousness.

My career took off as I began working with brands like Nike, Reebok, and Coca-Cola. I shot for personalities such as Justin Bieber and Usher, while also experiencing the ebbs and flows of the industry. My portfolio expanded, but so did the challenges, including industry shifts and personal trials.

Facing my “Dark Night of the Soul,” I navigated through spiritual awakening and deep emotional struggles. I learned to separate my self-worth from my work identity, finding solace in new creative mediums like podcasting, and cultivating inner growth.

I embraced the concept of Identity Alchemy, integrating my experiences into a holistic approach to align my inner and outer worlds. This led me to help entrepreneurs, influencers, and creators express their unique selves, developing my Identity Alchemy Course and other services.