Testimonials
“Reporting to Nikki was the best way I could have started my career in both the creative field and in management. She consistently challenged me to think about my work as a graphic designer, to question it, and to look for ways to improve it - even when (and particularly when) I felt it was at its best. As my supervisor, she was experienced–and tough! But she helped me raise my already high standards, and made me a better designer as a result. It was her expectation level that set the tone for my career. And in the competitive world of advertising, nothing but high standards will do.
Now as the manager of a creative team, I expect the same exceptional standards and apply many of the same leadership strategies Nikki used with me to achieve results. As I lean on Nikki as a mentor and as a friend, she passes along knowledge to me that she has gained in her experiences. I am confident that it's because of this mentoring that I am in the position that I am in, and I look to her leadership as an example of what I hope to be someday.”
– Becky Frerck, Assistant Director of Marketing
Bellevue University
“As a junior in college before Nikki came to teach, I felt like I was missing basic real world work understanding and experiences. I had an understanding of art and design, but I felt clueless about what it would take to have a job in design and advertising. After taking her classes, I felt like she made it a point to be sure we had actual professional knowledge, and could carry ourselves competently. She invested time and energy in me, because she saw potential and cared. She made sure that she could answer my questions in class, and she continues to answer my questions about business, career goals, how to approach discussions with my boss, and just generally how to be a professional in a creative environment.”
– Carolyn Kruger, Director of Digital Marketing
Wave Interactive
“There are so many ways that Nikki helped me prepare for the "real world" during college and after. By allowing us to visit and be critiqued by a thriving design agency in the community, we had a better idea of what to expect when looking for jobs after graduation. Nikki made sure we knew what standard of work was and was not acceptable, and what skills employers would be looking for. I still get nervous about the interview process, but being around her in class showed me how I should carry myself, to work hard, have confidence, and to take responsibility for mistakes I make along the way. The investment she made in me and other students is invaluable, and I'm not sure where I would have ended up without her help.”
– Mandy Doherty, Marketing Specialist
Fireplace Stone & Patio
“I was not prepared to be a designer during the early part of my college career. I certainly felt as if I was, but it was not just about coming up with the best design. It was a mixture of that and how to become a creative professional. The way not only one presents their designs, but how they present themselves is just one of the lessons I learned from my class time with Nikki. While she is no longer my instructor, she has never refused an opportunity to teach me when I sought her help. Years later–from creating a brand for myself to building a resume–I am still learning things from her. As a result of her dedication long after it was required, I not only feel as if I can design well, but that I can enter my field prepared to perform any job with professionalism and confidence.”
– Nicholas Jones, UX Designer
Aviture