We are Summit 53 — a boutique branding and media company founded by two creators who believe great brands aren’t built overnight. They’re built with intention, through story, soul, and strategy.

We don’t follow templates. We don’t believe in mass production. And we don’t take on work we don’t believe in.

We build brands for those who move with purpose.

Our Founders

Nickolas Swanson
Veteran. Storyteller. Strategist. Nick spent years managing digital platforms and creative content across both the private sector and the military. With experience ranging from social media strategy at bioMérieux to public affairs in the Air Force, Nick brings clarity, grit, and direction to every brand we work with. His photography has been featured in national publications and earned multiple awards for visual storytelling.

Alie Swanson

Veteran. Creative. Communicator. Alie served as a public affairs specialist in the U.S. military for four years, where she mastered the art of narrative design and visual communication. With a strong background in brand content, photography, and media production, she brings heart and precision to every frame. Her work has been published in magazines and recognized with awards for excellence in photography and visual storytelling.

Together, we create work that matters.

Why Is It Called Summit 53 Collective?

The name Summit 53 Collective was inspired by Geologic Map GM-53, a 1:500,000-scale geological map of Washington State. The name honors our roots in the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its rugged beauty, creativity, and resilience.

• "Summit" represents both a physical peak and a symbolic goal: reaching the top, finding clarity, and achieving growth.
  

• "53" ties us to our foundation—where we came from and the natural terrain that shapes how we see the world.
  

• "Collective" signifies collaboration, unity, and community-driven creativity.
  

All together, this name reflects our vision: to elevate local businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs by crafting intentional, visually powerful content that helps them reach their own summits.