About Nicki
Nicki trained as a fine artist and has made a living as a commercial one for more than twenty years. She started on the presentation graphics team at The Coca-Cola Company, then ran her own studio, then pitched new business at JWT.
From there she moved into product. As an art director she designed housewares and outdoor collections and sold them herself to buyers at Walmart, Target, and The Home Depot. Then she co-founded High Road Craft Ice Cream and spent twelve years on its executive team, building the brand and the decks that went in front of investors and buyers.
She brings all of it to the work now. Founders get a designer who has carried a P&L, sat in a line review, and been through diligence.
HER RULE
Always be learning.
Experience
Leads the brand and design practice for clients in fitness, music, entertainment, home fragrance, and specialty food. Advises founders on strategy and positioning. Leads design and UI for eclAIr, the firm's AI finance and operations service, and serves as a client concierge.
Led brand, packaging, and consumer marketing from a regional start-up to national distribution and six consecutive years on the Inc. 5000. Developed more than 100 products. Sold and built more than $30 million a year in private-label programs for Walmart, Sam's Club, H-E-B, and Foxtrot. Ran a five-person creative team and a marketing budget in the millions.
Founded an artisanal food market and built its brand and product lines: laminated doughs, scratch breads, and prepared meals.
Designed seasonal housewares and outdoor collections from first sketch through international sourcing and launch, and sold them in national buyer meetings at Walmart, Target, and The Home Depot.
Designed presentations for Coca-Cola's senior executives. Founded and ran Creative Outlet, an award-winning studio serving Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, Durex, and Susquehanna Radio. Joined JWT's new-business pitch team.
Education
MA, Design and Applied Arts, Savannah College of Art and Design
BFA, Fine Arts, SUNY Oswego
WSET Level 2, Pass with Distinction
Adjunct Professor, Design and Branding, Art Institute of Los Angeles, 2007
Affiliations
Honorary Commander, Cobb Chamber, 2018
Specialty Food Association, 2011 to 2025
Entrepreneurs' Organization, 2019 to 2021
Dean's Council, University of Georgia, 2018 to 2020
Who she looks to
Matisse, Van Gogh, Miró, Mary Cassatt, Yayoi Kusama, Ralph Steadman. Paula Scher and Milton Glaser. The type of Hoefler & Frere-Jones.