Meet Whiz Kid: Myles Nielsen

Name: Myles Nielsen, 11

School: Home Schooled

Accomplishments: This young graphic designer created the logo for the “Avondale Estates Sunday Ride.” The inaugural event held in May was about building community, said Angie Graver, an organizer. The idea is to encourage people to get out of their cars. By blocking some city streets to autos for a few hours, folks got out to walk, ride their bikes, rollerblade and stroll their babies without fear of traffic.

When Graver announced the logo designing contest to a possible 200 participants, Myles Nielsen jumped at the chance. “It was my first time designing something like this, so I downloaded a free trial of “PhotoShop,” said Myles. After presenting his initial work, Graves knew immediately she wanted him for the job.

“He had such enthusiasm,” said Graver. “He never had any doubt that he could do it.” Myles was easy to work with and was always willing to tweak his design, she said.

Although two dimensional design was new to Myles, he’s been drawing in Google SketchUp since he was seven years old. To date, he’s created more than 900 models of mostly cars and trucks and has gotten the attention of more than one professional seeking a model, including someone from a waste management company. You can see his designs at http://bit.ly/mkMNv4.

But the 11-year old said there is no need for him to pursue that for now because his lawn business provides him with a solid source of income. Over the last two years he’s built a client base of about 24, has purchased two lawnmowers and three weed whackers and manicures about five or six lawns a week.

In the colder months, he operates “Myles of Lights” hanging and untangling lights for homeowners during the winter holidays. 

Myles is home schooled by his mother, Lucy Nielsen and says she is a “great teacher” and he enjoys learning. His favorite subjects are science and history. He likes to read, draw and build stuff in the basement.