About
Hi, I’m Niki, a digital designer with a passion for motion animation. I’ve always been curious about the way people think, feel, and move through the world, wondering what lies behind our behaviors, motivates our actions. Design is a way to explore that curiosity—an opportunity to translate observations about behavior into experiences that feel intuitive, thoughtful, and delightful.
I’ve considered a few qualities that represent how I approach design: multifaceted, conscientious, and exploratory.
Multifaceted because I like wearing different hats and figuring things out from different angles.
Conscientious because I contemplate the effect my decisions have on others. In design this translates to challenging my self to iterate and seek feedback.
And exploratory because my brain loves to wrap around new ideas, tools, and ways of doing things. I’m trilled when I’m learning or discovering something unexpected.
I love to collaborate. I thrive around people who share ideas generously, laugh easily, and are driven by a common desire to make things that matter. My goal is always to bring clarity, craft, and warmth to whatever we create together.
In my free time I make pottery, go hiking, read avidly (usually fantasy or sci-fi), and cook with family and friends.
Resume
Education
MA Interaction and UI/UX Design
Dec 2025
Academy of Art University (Online), San Francisco CA
Guided by professionals, I designed three mobile applications from concept to prototype while also developing skills in motion, graphic, and web design.
Professional Certificate of Graphic Design
Oct 2021
Sessions College (Online), Tempe AZ
My introduction to digital design.
BA in Sustainable Agriculture
May 2013
Evergreen State College, Olympia WA
Designed sustainable farm systems by integrating global food knowledge, ecological interactions, and long-term crop planning.
Spanish and Global Outreach Planning
May 2007
La Universidad de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
Examined sustainable community service practices versus ineffective forms of aid both in the field and at university while studying Spanish.
Spanish and Anthropology
2005 - 2007
Appalachian State University, Boone NC
Studied diverse cultures spread across time and the globe.
Employment
Owner, Operator, Artist
2019 - 2024
Niki Marie Pottery. Bellingham, Wa
Balanced the challenges of running your own business including: design and production; marketing, sales and distribution; inventory of supplies and product; and maintenance of studio.
Retail, Gallery Attendant
Sept 2019 - Mar 2025
Good Earth Pottery. Bellingham, Wa
Educate about and vend local pottery. Processing and display incoming shippments
Line Cook
June 2019 - Sept 2019
Old Town Cafe. Bellingham, Wa
Local favorite breakfast restaurant that demands : hustle, multi-tasking, quality control, team work, and time management.
Lead Propagation
Jan 2018 - June 2019
Cascade Cuts. Bellingham, Wa
Propagation of plants based on projected order fulfillment needs and growth rate. Management of the propagation greenhouse: Careful observation, management of watering schedule.