I actually grew up watching my mom as a cosmetologist, she had an in-home salon that she worked out of and my dad was a professional touring magician. They travelled all over the world and performed together, she was his assistant. I remember learning the importance of stage makeup at a really early age. I loved watching the whole process and often times would sneak a little red lipstick from the dressing room. Eventually it carried over to me and I was able to assist him and be a part of the show as well.
Those memories and experiences were the roots of my ever-growing passion for the beauty industry I believe. Through out the years, I was the go-to friend for prom makeup, weddings, photo shoots etc. After high school I kind of toyed with the idea of getting my degree in Graphic Design till push came to shove and I dropped out to enroll myself into Cosmetology School which made so much more sense. I think I just felt a certain pressure to go with a more traditional career for some reason, this pressure didn’t come from my parents at all though which is such a blessing that I think a lot of people aren’t able to relate to.
After getting my license in Cosmetology I worked as a hairdresser for a really hip salon for a few years, then with some of the most well known cosmetic brands as a makeup artist, had a little nail art troop that did pop up events, and continued to build my portfolio by doing hundreds of photo shoots or whatever work in Arizona I could get my hands on.
It hit a point where I was ready to make the move to a bigger city to expand and stretch myself, so in 2012 I moved to Los Angeles and was hired on as an airbrush makeup instructor and worked in their studio helping produce video shoots etc. They used me a few times to do some makeup tutorials on camera and I really loved it because I had typically been behind the scenes doing the hair/makeup for the talent etc.
Fast forward to the present and I have been the go-to artist for celebrities, every major award show (Grammy’s, Oscars etc), photo shoots, fashion shows, tv/film/webseries and more. Aside from doing freelance hair/makeup I found time to work with a production company to launch a youtube channel that has gained almost 1 million and a half views.
My dive into the Youtube platform was very unique and quite different than most. The industry is changing and evolving so much as the years have passed. I had actually come across a casting in search of “Professional hairdressers, makeup/nail artists” that a production company wanted to produce content with. I was immediately intrigued, went to audition and was fortunate enough to be 1 of 4 chosen out of about 500 applicants. We launched “Nailswithlynette” in January 2013. I am now signed with Maker Studios and produce most of my content myself.
I truly think its been this past year in coming to the realization that I have been gifted with a global voice that is continuing to grow each day. That is a huge responsibility that I am fully aware of, as my audience consists of mainly young girls. Its both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
My dream is to be a light to people all over the world that are just out there like the rest of us trying to make sense of things. Whether it be through fun little nail art DIY’s that offer an artistic outlet, a makeup/hair tutorial that allows someone to feel beautiful, vlogging in my bedroom about random thoughts or ideas, and collabing with other amazing people like you, Nick, to show people out there that with some hard work and determination you can take your dreams and create a new reality. Long term, I see myself wandering around the world like a little vagabond (Its in my DNA to crave travel because of my parents, thanks mom and dad.) curating content and connecting with these individuals in person rather than just through a computer screen.
The idea of living out my maximum potential and posing this concept for others to want to embark on the same journey alongside me.
As of lately it has definitely been nail design. I have such a blast painting artwork on these 10 miniature canvases.
“Glow” by Corey Ferrugia
Youtube
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook

I actually grew up watching my mom as a cosmetologist, she had an in-home salon that she worked out of and my dad was a professional touring magician. They travelled all over the world and performed together, she was his assistant. I remember learning the importance of stage makeup at a really early age. I loved watching the whole process and often times would sneak a little red lipstick from the dressing room. Eventually it carried over to me and I was able to assist him and be a part of the show as well.
Those memories and experiences were the roots of my ever-growing passion for the beauty industry I believe. Through out the years, I was the go-to friend for prom makeup, weddings, photo shoots etc. After high school I kind of toyed with the idea of getting my degree in Graphic Design till push came to shove and I dropped out to enroll myself into Cosmetology School which made so much more sense. I think I just felt a certain pressure to go with a more traditional career for some reason, this pressure didn’t come from my parents at all though which is such a blessing that I think a lot of people aren’t able to relate to.
After getting my license in Cosmetology I worked as a hairdresser for a really hip salon for a few years, then with some of the most well known cosmetic brands as a makeup artist, had a little nail art troop that did pop up events, and continued to build my portfolio by doing hundreds of photo shoots or whatever work in Arizona I could get my hands on.
It hit a point where I was ready to make the move to a bigger city to expand and stretch myself, so in 2012 I moved to Los Angeles and was hired on as an airbrush makeup instructor and worked in their studio helping produce video shoots etc. They used me a few times to do some makeup tutorials on camera and I really loved it because I had typically been behind the scenes doing the hair/makeup for the talent etc.
Fast forward to the present and I have been the go-to artist for celebrities, every major award show (Grammy’s, Oscars etc), photo shoots, fashion shows, tv/film/webseries and more. Aside from doing freelance hair/makeup I found time to work with a production company to launch a youtube channel that has gained almost 1 million and a half views.
My dive into the Youtube platform was very unique and quite different than most. The industry is changing and evolving so much as the years have passed. I had actually come across a casting in search of “Professional hairdressers, makeup/nail artists” that a production company wanted to produce content with. I was immediately intrigued, went to audition and was fortunate enough to be 1 of 4 chosen out of about 500 applicants. We launched “Nailswithlynette” in January 2013. I am now signed with Maker Studios and produce most of my content myself.
I truly think its been this past year in coming to the realization that I have been gifted with a global voice that is continuing to grow each day. That is a huge responsibility that I am fully aware of, as my audience consists of mainly young girls. Its both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
My dream is to be a light to people all over the world that are just out there like the rest of us trying to make sense of things. Whether it be through fun little nail art DIY’s that offer an artistic outlet, a makeup/hair tutorial that allows someone to feel beautiful, vlogging in my bedroom about random thoughts or ideas, and collabing with other amazing people like you, Nick, to show people out there that with some hard work and determination you can take your dreams and create a new reality. Long term, I see myself wandering around the world like a little vagabond (Its in my DNA to crave travel because of my parents, thanks mom and dad.) curating content and connecting with these individuals in person rather than just through a computer screen.
The idea of living out my maximum potential and posing this concept for others to want to embark on the same journey alongside me.
As of lately it has definitely been nail design. I have such a blast painting artwork on these 10 miniature canvases.
“Glow” by Corey Ferrugia
Youtube
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook








I actually grew up watching my mom as a cosmetologist, she had an in-home salon that she worked out of and my dad was a professional touring magician. They travelled all over the world and performed together, she was his assistant. I remember learning the importance of stage makeup at a really early age. I loved watching the whole process and often times would sneak a little red lipstick from the dressing room. Eventually it carried over to me and I was able to assist him and be a part of the show as well.
Those memories and experiences were the roots of my ever-growing passion for the beauty industry I believe. Through out the years, I was the go-to friend for prom makeup, weddings, photo shoots etc. After high school I kind of toyed with the idea of getting my degree in Graphic Design till push came to shove and I dropped out to enroll myself into Cosmetology School which made so much more sense. I think I just felt a certain pressure to go with a more traditional career for some reason, this pressure didn’t come from my parents at all though which is such a blessing that I think a lot of people aren’t able to relate to.
After getting my license in Cosmetology I worked as a hairdresser for a really hip salon for a few years, then with some of the most well known cosmetic brands as a makeup artist, had a little nail art troop that did pop up events, and continued to build my portfolio by doing hundreds of photo shoots or whatever work in Arizona I could get my hands on.
It hit a point where I was ready to make the move to a bigger city to expand and stretch myself, so in 2012 I moved to Los Angeles and was hired on as an airbrush makeup instructor and worked in their studio helping produce video shoots etc. They used me a few times to do some makeup tutorials on camera and I really loved it because I had typically been behind the scenes doing the hair/makeup for the talent etc.
Fast forward to the present and I have been the go-to artist for celebrities, every major award show (Grammy’s, Oscars etc), photo shoots, fashion shows, tv/film/webseries and more. Aside from doing freelance hair/makeup I found time to work with a production company to launch a youtube channel that has gained almost 1 million and a half views.
My dive into the Youtube platform was very unique and quite different than most. The industry is changing and evolving so much as the years have passed. I had actually come across a casting in search of “Professional hairdressers, makeup/nail artists” that a production company wanted to produce content with. I was immediately intrigued, went to audition and was fortunate enough to be 1 of 4 chosen out of about 500 applicants. We launched “Nailswithlynette” in January 2013. I am now signed with Maker Studios and produce most of my content myself.
I truly think its been this past year in coming to the realization that I have been gifted with a global voice that is continuing to grow each day. That is a huge responsibility that I am fully aware of, as my audience consists of mainly young girls. Its both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
My dream is to be a light to people all over the world that are just out there like the rest of us trying to make sense of things. Whether it be through fun little nail art DIY’s that offer an artistic outlet, a makeup/hair tutorial that allows someone to feel beautiful, vlogging in my bedroom about random thoughts or ideas, and collabing with other amazing people like you, Nick, to show people out there that with some hard work and determination you can take your dreams and create a new reality. Long term, I see myself wandering around the world like a little vagabond (Its in my DNA to crave travel because of my parents, thanks mom and dad.) curating content and connecting with these individuals in person rather than just through a computer screen.
The idea of living out my maximum potential and posing this concept for others to want to embark on the same journey alongside me.
As of lately it has definitely been nail design. I have such a blast painting artwork on these 10 miniature canvases.
“Glow” by Corey Ferrugia
Youtube
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook


At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia.

TL;DR – What You’ll Learn in This Post Your Location Isn’t Background — It’s Identity Where you shoot isn’t just about what looks cool. It’s about resonance. It’s about embodiment. It’s about visually designing a space that holds your energy. “Your brand visuals don’t just show who you are — they show the world you […]

A personal brand is not your logo. It’s not your colors. It’s not just your website. Your personal brand is the perception people have of you when you’re not in the room — shaped by your presence, your visuals, your voice, and how consistently you embody your values. It’s who you are and who you’re […]

TL;DR – What You’ll Learn in This Post Your Brand Isn’t a Feed — It’s a Frequency We’ve all seen it: the influencer with polished photos but no soul. The brand that feels like a mask. That’s not personal branding — that’s performance. A real personal brand? It’s how you live. It’s what you do […]

A Brand Isn’t Just a Logo — It’s a Mirror Your personal brand isn’t a website, a color palette, or a polished grid. It’s an evolving expression of who you are — and who you’re becoming. More than that, it’s a container. A space that calls you to rise. To embody your message. To stay […]

Let’s put it this way: If you want stiff headshots in a gray suit against a beige wall — probably not. If you want a photoshoot that feels like an editorial spread, emotional breakthrough, and creative awakening all in one — then yes. Nick Onken is very good at what he does. What Makes Nick […]

Most First-Time Brand Shoots Miss the Mark — Here’s Why If you’re preparing for your first brand photoshoot, you’re likely focused on the obvious: outfits, lighting, maybe even the perfect smile. But what actually makes a photoshoot land is much deeper — and most people don’t know what to look for. And unfortunately, that’s why most first-time […]

The Problem With Traditional Brand Photograph Most brand photos are surface-level. They might be polished. Perfectly lit. Technically solid. But they lack soul. They don’t make you feel the person. They don’t communicate energy, depth, or identity. They look good — but they don’t resonate. And that’s a problem if you’re a thought leader, coach, speaker, author, or […]

If you’re searching for the best personal brand photographer in New York, one name rises to the top: Nick Onken. Blending editorial sophistication with emotional storytelling, Nick’s work goes far beyond headshots. His Elevated Realism™ approach captures your highest self — magnetic, polished, and unmistakably you. 📍 A Photographer Who Knows NYC Intimately Nick spent 15 […]

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is building their website, offers, or marketing before they’ve ever clarified their brand identity. They hire web designers before they’ve defined their vibe. They write sales pages without knowing the feeling their brand is meant to transmit. But everything — your website, your photos, your content, your brand world — should stem […]

For most people, a photoshoot is about looking good. For Nicky Clinch, it became a mirror for transformation. Nicky is a master maturation coach, author of Surrender, and co-leader of the Emanate Mastermind. When she came to me, her brand was successful—multiple seven figures, sold-out programs, a global community—but something wasn’t resonating. She had reached a plateau. […]

Los Angeles is packed with creatives. But when it comes to personal brand photography, Nick Onken stands in a category of his own. He’s not just snapping pretty pictures. He’s crafting transformation. With a focus on visual storytelling and strategic brand elevation, Nick’s shoots go far beyond portraits. Every session is a creative collaboration—designed to […]

Introduction Lewis Howes, host of The School of Greatness and bestselling author, was ready to elevate his personal brand with a visual identity that matched his next chapter of leadership. He had already built a massive platform. But he was stepping into a deeper, more embodied version of his brand—one that integrated emotional intelligence with […]

Leadership isn’t just something you declare — it’s something people feel the moment they see you. And in a world where your first impression often happens online, your photos need to do more than look good. They need to position you as a leader. A personal brand shoot isn’t about winging it with cute outfits […]
I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here.
I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here.