My Approach

Person sitting inside an aquarium tunnel, observing a large fish swimming above, with coral and rocks visible in the background.

As a creative designer with a background in fine art and a passion for accessibility. I’m inspired by the intersection of design, flow, and accessibility! I love using design to solve problems and help people. My process is hands-on, thoughtful, and always starts with a pencil, some ink, and a stack of Post-its.

Underwater scene with the text "Tides of Tradition" overlaid, featuring a cartoon fish on the left side.

My Journey

My path to graphic design started when I started teaching kids in an art studio after leaving animation, where I taught art and ceramics. That experience sparked a desire to create design that’s inclusive and intentional. I’ve always been curious about movement, science, and creativity. Those interests eventually led me into the wide world of visual design. What excites me most is the endless possibility: there’s always a new path to explore and someone to help through design.

FAQ

Night sky illuminated by green northern lights over green rolling hills.
  • My work spans branding, illustration, motion, UX, and product design, driven by a passion for accessibility and thoughtful, user-centered design.

  • Yes, I’m available! Don’t be shy—reach out and let’s create something together. Open to both freelance projects and in-house roles.

    • Branding & Visual Identity — Creating clear, memorable brand systems that tell a story and scale across platforms.

    • Illustration — Crafting custom illustrations that add personality, emotion, and meaning to a brand.

    • Motion Design — Bringing ideas to life through thoughtful animation and visual movement.

    • UX Design — Designing intuitive, user-centered experiences that prioritize clarity and usability.

    • Product Design — Developing functional, thoughtful products from concept through execution.

    • Accessibility Design — Ensuring designs are inclusive, usable, and accessible for everyone.

Nicole Sterling

🐟

Nicole Sterling 🐟

We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents
— Bob ross