Hey, I’m Nicki – a multidisciplinary designer and brand strategist.
I’m a creative leader with more than a decade of experience designing brands, campaigns, and visual systems across digital, print, and environmental spaces. My work blends strategy, storytelling, and thoughtful design to create brands that feel cohesive, memorable, and human.
I’ve had the chance to work across industries including higher education, hospitality, retail, and small business. That variety has taught me how to listen carefully, understand what makes each brand unique, and translate those ideas into creative work that truly fits.
I’m someone who enjoys both big-picture thinking and hands-on design. I love the process of turning ideas into something tangible. I also believe the best creative work happens when people collaborate openly and generously with each other. For me, great design is ultimately about connection — helping people understand and engage with a story in a meaningful way.
My Approach to Creative Work
Brand-First Thinking
Impressive design starts with understanding the brand. I help organizations define how they want to show up and translating that into visual systems that feel consistent, authentic, and flexible enough to grow.
Strategy + Craft
I love the balance between big-picture thinking and hands-on design. Whether shaping a campaign or designing the final piece, I enjoy moving from concept to execution and making sure the work is both thoughtful and beautifully crafted.
Storytelling
The best creative work tells a story. Through design, photography, and writing, I enjoy helping brands communicate ideas clearly and emotionally so audiences understand not just what something is, but why it matters.
Collaboration
Some of my favorite work happens when creative people build ideas together. I enjoy collaborating with designers, writers, developers, and marketers to bring thoughtful work to life and create something stronger than any one person could alone.
Award Winning + Published
Awards + Recognitions
AVA Digital Award
Recognized by the AVA Digital Awards for excellence in digital strategy, design, and execution. This work honored the redesigned Valparaiso University website, highlighting a user-centered approach and elevated brand experience across digital platforms.
Gold, 2026
Davey Award
Awarded by the Davey Awards for creative excellence in digital marketing and communications. This work recognized a redesigned website developed for Valparaiso University.
Silver (Education), 2025
MarCom Platinum Award
Recognized for excellence in marketing and communication during the Valparaiso University brand refresh.
Strategic Communications, Marketing/Promotion Campaign, 102c. Branding Refresh, 2024
Brandie Award
Awarded for outstanding achievement in brand strategy and implementation as part of Valparaiso University’s institutional brand refresh.
Best Rebrand or Brand Update, Private University, 2024
Leadership + Community Recognition
Brown & Gold Staff Excellence Award (Employee of the Month)
Valparaiso University — 2025
Selected as the monthly recipient of Valparaiso University’s Brown & Gold Staff Excellence Award, recognizing outstanding performance, collaboration, and commitment to the university’s mission. Nominated by colleagues, approved by Staff Council and the President of Valparaiso University.
Mustard Seed Moment Maker
Valparaiso University — 2025
Recognized by the Division of Calling & Spiritual Life for fostering connection, collaboration, and belonging within the campus community. The award honors individuals who help cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Nominated by colleagues.
Kiwanis
Member (2018– )
Vice President (2020–2021)
Board Member (2019–2021)
Active member of the Noon Kiwanis Club of Valparaiso, contributing to service initiatives focused on supporting children and strengthening the local community. Leadership roles included serving on the board and as vice president, helping guide programming, marketing efforts, and organizational impact.
Selected Publication
Marketing Turkish Hazelnuts in the United States
Kurumsal Medya — July 2025
A published marketing strategy and brand proposal developed as part of a graduate marketing course. The project introduced a conceptual brand, Imece Farms, to demonstrate how Turkish hazelnuts could be positioned in the U.S. market through strategic branding, packaging, and storytelling focused on quality, sustainability, and ethical production.
Working alongside the U.S. Consulate as part of the research process, the project included logo design, packaging concepts, and a QR-code strategy designed to connect consumers to video storytelling about the farms and production process, reinforcing transparency and brand authenticity.
The project received the highest grade in the class – a course known for rarely awarding A’s – and was later selected by the professor for revision and publication after the semester concluded, recognizing both the strategic depth and creative execution of the work.
