Artist Spotlight: Landon Milz
One of the youngest, established designers in NASCAR today, Chicago’s Landon Milz has begun to find his footing in what looks to be a fruitful career in motorsport design.
A typical 18-year-old may have a general idea of what they want their career path to be and are identifying the steps to get there. Landon Milz, at the same age, has found himself in a position that many aspiring designers wish to find themselves in — working for notable drivers, teams and sponsors in NASCAR across the top two series — all before he even stepped foot onto a college campus.
1️⃣ How did you get your start designing?
I have always considered myself a creative-minded person. I ended up taking graphic design as an elective class in middle school. I found it fascinating and started making art in my free time. I started to expand myself, develop skills on my own, and ended up finding a passion I truly thought I’d never find. I ultimately got my start designing professionally in 2023.
2️⃣ Where do you turn for inspiration?
My inspiration comes from everyone and everything around me; I’m constantly finding ideas and sparks from social media and the people around me. This is true for almost every single project I work on.
It’s also fun looking through comments from fans and looking at ideas people at home have. The styles and ideas are always changing and it’s extremely important to study what’s around you.
Images courtesy of Landon Milz
3️⃣ What project of yours are you most proud of and why?
Designing Sheldon Creed’s 2024 full-time Xfinity Series No. 18 Friends Of Jaclyn Foundation Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be able to watch my artwork on track every single week on national television racing for JGR.
Photos courtesy of Landon Milz
4️⃣ What’s your ‘trademark’ style that helps you stand out from other designers?
My design style often features sharp corners, edges and shapes. I always try to make the car look fast or sleek when it’s on track. I feel like that always seems to pop the best when watching it on track at high speeds.
5️⃣ You’ve developed a great relationship with several drivers, teams, and sponsors already, including Joe Gibbs Racing and DriveSmart. What are some of the key differences you find between working with sponsors, versus with drivers or teams directly?
No two clients are the same; everyone is specific and is always looking for different things. Sponsors often have a brand identity, and it’s important that their company is represented through the artwork I’m creating.
For the most part, there actually aren’t many key differences when it comes to working directly with teams or drivers.
Images courtesy of Landon Milz
6️⃣ As a teenager, you’ve already had three cars on track in the early stages of your career, with Sheldon Creed, Natalie Decker, and Kyle Weatherman. Did you ever think it was possible to have a handful of schemes already before you even got into college?
Absolutely not — never in a million years would I have thought I’d be where I’m at right now. I’m so blessed to be able to do what I love. I give so much credit to all the great people I get the pleasure to work with for giving me the ability to do what I love.
Photos courtesy of Landon Milz
7️⃣ What was one moment during the 2024 NASCAR season that involved your design that you would pin as the number-one highlight of your year?
This is such a tough question as there were so many great moments in 2024. The overtime finish at New Hampshire definitely stands out the most. Despite finishing second and leading the final lap into turn 1, this was an awesome battle and had such a memorable finish.
8️⃣ As a designer in the infancy of his career, do you have your eyes on a specific team, driver, or series that you’d love to work with in the future?
My relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing is fantastic; they are phenomenal to work with. They’ve given me so many opportunities and have truly helped shape my career. I’m always looking to expand myself. It would be fantastic to have the pleasure to design artwork in the Cup Series for them.
9️⃣ Share a design tip for people just getting started.
Always keep working. People who are passionate and talented will find their way to success.
People will notice and find you, carry yourself professionally, and always be open to trying new things that are challenging — because that’s how you truly push yourself and get better.
Images courtesy of Landon Milz
Follow Landon Milz on Trading Paints and Instagram.
