Meet the Artist Behind Our Logo: Colin W. Miller

Introducing Our Monthly Creator Spotlight Series

We’re excited to launch a new blog series that highlights the incredible artists and creators we've had the pleasure of collaborating with. From illustrators and designers to makers and storytellers, each of these talented individuals has played a role in shaping our creative journey.

To kick things off, we're starting close to home — with the artist behind our logo, Colin W. Miller. Colin is not only a gifted visual artist, but also a friend and former colleague of our co-founder Liz Shea. His thoughtful approach and distinctive style made him the perfect partner to bring our visual identity to life.

To give you a deeper look into his process and personality, we sat down with Colin for a Q&A where he shares insights on his inspiration,

his approach to design, and what it meant to contribute to a project rooted in friendship and shared values.

Title: so long world Medium: watercolor, ink, POSCA pen, and gel pen Artist: Colin W. Miller

1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you as an artist and creator?

I am a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and florist now based in Brooklyn, NY. My creative work explores themes of nature, the sublime, impermanence, self-realization, and the emotional weight of vast spaces. Using watercolor, ink, and acrylic, I create ethereal and striking compositions that reflect the tension between presence and absence, often drawing inspiration from landscapes and personal narratives.

Title: hmm... Medium: watercolor, ink, POSCA pen, and gel pen Artist: Colin W. Miller

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art with a concentration in Drawing & Painting from Pennsylvania State University. My work has been exhibited in group shows such as Mind Your Mind: Mental Health, Identity, and Activism (Seton Hall University, 2021), QWEERTY (Hub Robeson Gallery, 2019), Opulence (Patterson Gallery, 2019), and Get Bodied (Zoller Gallery, 2017). Through my art, I hope to continue engaging themes of identity, memory, and the ephemeral nature of existence.

2. What led you down this path?

There were no other paths for me besides the creative. I caught the creative bug at a young age, and I have just kept at it ever since. 

Grow Wild Studios logo by Colin W. Miller

3. What was your inspiration or creative approach when designing our logo?

This was the first logo I have ever designed, and I am grateful it was for such a good friend and colleague. As far as creative approach, I wanted it to be collaborative between myself and Grow Wild Studios. Not only to hit the mark on what Liz and Tim were looking for, but so it was something everyone involved could be proud of. I remember sending Liz and Tim some options for color palettes and fonts to choose from, and once those key elements were settled then I let the creative process start. For inspiration, I really honed in on the "wild" part of "Grow Wild Studios"  . I wanted to incorporate florals (of course), keeping the shapes simple and easily interpreted by the consumer but wildly explosive and eye-catching. I think it made for a logo that is unique and full of character. 

Title: u n i Medium: watercolor, ink, POSCA pen, and gel pen Artist: Colin W. Miller

4. What’s your favorite part of the design process?

My favorite part of the design process is the finishing details. In my 2-D works, it is the small wisps of ink that define the tips of a tree branch or the subtle dabs of glitter that reflect a highlight on the side of a mountain. In floral design, it is those last few delicate flowers that get placed just right at the end.

5. What’s one design project (besides ours 😉) that you’re especially proud of?

Title: you make this place feel like home Medium: watercolor, ink, and POSCA pen Artist: Colin W. Miller

I am especially proud of the watercolor postcard series that kickstarted my love for watercolors and landscapes over the COVID-19 pandemic. Like most of us, I had a lot of free time during the lockdown which pushed me into nature - to explore, hike, and breathe what fresh air was available when everyone was locked up inside. All of those adventures inspired my series of postcards that I went on to sell prints of online along with other original pieces. That was the spark for what my 2-D work is today, and I am really proud of that.

6. Do you have any advice for someone who’s just starting out trying to make a career with their art?

My advice would be to stop overthinking the outcome and just let the artwork happen. As a Virgo myself, I know how easy it is to get caught up on the small details and wanting everything to be perfect, but art isn't perfect. Nothing is! It is better to make something "bad" than to not have made anything at all. 

7. Where can people see more of your work or get in touch with you?

You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @colinwmillerart and my website.https://www.colinwmiller.com/

Artist Portrait of Colin W. Miller