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Hi, I’m Chuck Miller!
I think you are cool for checking this page out, so thank you!
I’m a multi-talented creator—graphic designer, photographer, producer, marketing expert, musician, actor, and now a proud author. I’ve worn many hats: entrepreneur, inventor, enthusiast, and just an all-around good guy. For over 30 years, I’ve been pouring my heart into the creative world, teaming up with giants like NASA, Walmart, American Red Cross, Budweiser, and tons more to craft award-winning commercials, sharp print ads, and promo materials that leave a mark.
I started with a Radio-Television-Film degree from the University of Texas, and that launched me into an incredible journey with ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. I’ve worked alongside legends like Steven Soderbergh—the Oscar-winning director—and Paul Boyington, a two-time Emmy winner. My shelf boasts five Telly Awards from 2006, proof I can deliver a commercial that resonates—including one for Walmart/Shrek 2 “Gingy: People”. And back in ‘84, I earned the Eagle Scout Award—those Scout Law values guide me every day.
I was never really an actor, but I’ve ended up on TV and in commercials in all sorts of situations. I don’t have headshots or a resume—oh no—but I’ve been directed by pros, which I figure counts as acting cred. It’s not like I was just caught on camera for a split second in a crowd or popped up on the news because I saw something wild. No, I was actually directed. Be it by a commercial director, not a famous movie director. And “directed” is pretty broad use of the term when you are told to just walk by the camera. Well, I made the cut.
Some of these aren’t official credits, though. When I was working at Channel 7 in Austin, a reporter needed someone to walk by in a shot, so he told me to stroll past the camera. Another time, for their “7 On Your Side” segment, they cast me as the guinea pig to test a handheld electro-shock device—therapeutic or torture? I’m not saying. Then there was the national Chick-fil-A commercial. I was producing it with director Ken Lewin, and he wasn’t happy with one of the lead extras. He spotted me standing at the edge of the set and swapped me in. Chuck made the edit. It was no big deal, it was a walk-by part really, as well as a walk-on part, part. I don’t have that tape, but you can catch a creepy national spot Ken directed called “Cradle to Grave” right here on this site.
Oh, and I nearly made it into Soderbergh’s “The Underneath”— I hired my friends for the bar scene, but I was not posted up standing where the camera was. My friend Reid made the edit, and hit the screen! Well, ‘til the VHS edit—sorry, pal!
I’m an inventor with over 40 products to my name, and as a freelance marketing consultant, I’ve helped startups see their potential and bring it to life. Today, I’m still creating: writing books, designing websites, snapping photos, laying out print, crafting ads, running YouTube videos, and flexing my graphic design skills. My client list is huge—7-11, Boston Marathon, MSNBC, Chrysler, GM, Ford, Target, Fox News, The Grammys, Mastercard, and so many more.
I was born in San Antonio, Texas, and I’ve lived all over—Houston, Korea, London, Kansas City, L.A., Austin, Sioux City, Colorado Springs, and now Houston is home again. My life’s as diverse as my work: I travel, shoot photos, play piano, shoot pool, paint, sing karaoke (over 25 songs, “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel’s my favorite), and strum my unique 2-hole 10-string guitar. My impersonation of Christopher Walken is mint, which you should ask me to do.
Nice to meet Jimmy Carter in 1988 when I worked at KTRK Channel 13 in Houston. I told him that he had signed my Eagle Scout award from Boy Scouts. In particular, I told him it had the words “Honorary Eagle Scout” underneath his signature. He said, “Oh Chuck, when you become President of The United States, you become Honorary everything.” We laughed…
MY MUSIC
From the very first notes that echoed through the walls of my childhood home, music has been the rhythm of my life. Born into a family where melodies were as natural as conversation, I was cradled in the warmth of my mother’s diverse musical talents. Her mastery over the piano, guitar, violin, and harmonica, alongside a collection of rhythm instruments like bongos and castanets, painted my early world with vibrant sounds. My father, with his own history in music, played the flute, adding a serene layer to our family’s symphony.
My journey with the piano began at the tender age of 4, nurtured by the guidance of a neighborhood mom at 6, and further refined under the tutelage of a concert pianist in London by the time I was 7. My passion for music only grew, leading me to sing in the junior high church choir and learn to play the cornet in the school band. At 15, my mother gifted me my first guitar, sparking a love affair with blues guitar that continues to this day.
High school and college were pivotal chapters, marked by my involvement in bands, starting with EZ Access during my freshman year in college. Playing for a friend’s birthday at his frat house was the catalyst for a deeper dive into the world of live performance. While attending UT and after, the vibrant music scene in Austin beckoned, and I answered, performing weekly at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar on 6th Street for several years. What began as a Monday night engagement blossomed into a regular Tuesday slot, one year playing there 50 out 0f 52 weeks, with my presence becoming as familiar as the bar’s own ambiance.
Hosting an open mic night at Mugshots on 7th Street in Austin with my friend, the kick-ass Jay Shepherd, for five years was another highlight, culminating in the release of our album “Our Stash,” spotlighting our hit song appropriately named “Our Hit Song.”
The Kerrville Folk Festival in 2011 was a turning point, where I fell in love with the ranch, its people, most of them anyway, and its vibrant music culture. After becoming the creative director of the festival, I had the privilege of shaping its visual identity, from the brochures and posters to the 75-page festival program. Living on the ranch for about 5 years, I honed my craft, practicing EVERY DAY on one of the festival’s covered outdoor stages. I came to the ranch with only 50 minutes of music, but built up my repertoire to just over 5 hours. One night, after a full 5 hour practice, it hit me. It was time to leave the ranch and go make money. I was free! Goodbye K-hole! (Nickname for the town, because you can get stuck there.)
The journey continued with paid performances in various bars and wine bars in Houston, eventually leading to a solo act at the Omni Houston, where I entertained guests with piano, guitar, and vocals. Even after the venue shifted away from live music, my passion for performing never waned, finding a revival in my karaoke. Since 1999, I’ve reveled in the joy of singing karaoke, with a set of of over 25 karaoke performance songs, “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel stands out as my all-time favorite. Don’t go changin’!
Throughout the years, my collection of instruments expanded to include 17 guitars, 2 basses, a mandolin, a sitar, 2 keyboards, a banjo, my mother’s cherished guitar, and 2 violins. Each instrument, a testament to my evolving relationship with music.
To celebrate my 50th birthday, I poured my heart into creating an album titled “For Texas,” featuring 50 songs: a blend of 25 covers and 25 originals, a heartfelt tribute to my beloved state. That’s why it is named Chuck Miller – For Texas, because I’m not against it. Are you?
Through every chord and note, my life has been a testament to the profound impact of music. It’s been my constant companion, guiding me through the highs and lows, and connecting me with countless souls along the way. In every melody, I find a piece of my story, a reminder of where I’ve been and a hint of where I’m headed next.
Listen to “For Texas” and “Our Stash” HERE to experience the musical journey firsthand.
Oh, and check in with me! Let’s go have a beer and sing some karaoke. Or, let’s jam, call me! I’m down! Private piano performance? Pay in cash… Please!
