Practical writings on navigating the creative career path

For many of us, we pick up creative skills along the way. We learn how to draw or apply color by studying other people’s work on the internet. We learn new design programs by following tutorials. But that learning, through no fault of our own, can often stop there — how do we know what next step to take? How can we apply these skills to pursue an actual fulfilling, successful creative career?

When I was just starting out, I struggled to find resources for my professional growth. I didn’t study art or design in school. I had no idea what I needed to do to succeed as a designer. Fast forward a few years, I’ve learned a lot — and I wanted to share those learnings with you. So I started Nicole’s News with the intention of providing practical, hands-on tips and advice on the creative career path.

If you’re just starting out in your career or if you’ve got years of experience, my hope is that this is a helpful resource for you to read, learn from, refer back to, and utilize for your own success.

Hear what others think

“Discovering Nicole's design resources has been life-changing for me. Her passion for sharing knowledge and helping others elevate their craft is truly inspiring, and what sets her apart is her ability to present complex ideas in an easy-to-understand format. Her wealth of knowledge transcends disciplines, and whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Nicole's resources have something for everyone. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and excited for where her resources will take me next.”

— Frank B.

“As a product designer looking to elevate my career, Nicole’s News has been a guiding light in what can be a daunting and confusing journey. Though there are countless product design resources online, I can always find up-to-date, specific, and easily digestible information to aid me in my career growth. As someone who has been inspired and motivated by Nicole’s professional success, I trust I’m getting experienced advice needed to navigate my own journey.”

— Hannah L.

“I have been following Nicole's teachings for over a year now, both in the workplace and online, and I can confidently say that she is one of the most talented designers and teachers in the field. Nicole has an incredible ability to take complex concepts and break them down into simple language that anyone can follow. Her teachings have helped me immensely in taking my product design skills to the next level and elevating my career. Her unparalleled expertise, dedication to the craft, and commitment to the design community is inspiring, and I am grateful to have her as a resource. Overall, I highly recommend Nicole's resources for anyone looking to improve their skills and navigate the design industry.”

— Alison P.

Subscribe to stay updated — it’s free!


About me

Hey there! 👋 I’m Nicole, and I’m a product designer at Square, where I design experiences at the intersection of sellers and developers.

Before that, I was an early designer at RepairPal, where I had the opportunity to design many of the consumer and enterprise products within their ecosystem. I also built and led a team of multidisciplinary designers, created a design internship program, and hosted cohorts of design interns in disciplines like UX research, brand design, and product design — all of which is what deepened my interest in coaching, mentorship, and design leadership.

Outside of product design, I’m a 3d artist and illustrator. You’ll see more of that on my other online channels!

To stay updated with me elsewhere on the internet:

Subscribe to Nicole’s News

Practical writings on navigating the creative career path

People

Designer, illustrator, and educator based in Oregon