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 and 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, as in holding ambiguous traits at once-concerned with nuanced details and the larger picture. Also, as in contextually sensitive, being able to read the room to fulfill the needed role.
Conscientious because I contemplate the effects my decisions have on others. In design, this translates to careful listening and challenging myself to iterate and seek feedback.
And exploratory because my brain is hungry for understanding ideas, tools, and methods. I’m at my best when fulfilling my curiosity 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
Academy of Art University, San Francisco CA. 2025
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
Sessions College (Online), Tempe AZ. 2021
My introduction to digital design.
BA in Sustainable Agriculture
Evergreen State College, Olympia WA
Designed sustainable farm systems by integrating global food knowledge, ecological interactions, and long-term crop planning.
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
2019 - 2025
Good Earth Pottery. Bellingham, Wa
Educate about and vend local pottery. Processing and display incoming shippments
Contact
nikiwake@gmail.com
(360) 280-4916
Bellingham, WA
Core Skills
Technical Tools
Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, InDesign, Premiere, Office
Visual Design
User Experience, interaction design, user interface, typography, motion graphics, micro animation, graphic design, branding, web/mobile design
Interpersonal
Clear communicator, reliable, multitasker, initiative-driven, customer service, adaptable, positive