Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Morse.
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative person. In school, I was the classic daydreamer, in a world of my own inside my head. In college, I tried several majors including creative writing, fine art and finally, journalism. On the last day of an internship at a local magazine, I shadowed the graphic designer and that’s when I knew what I wanted to be! So I finished my journalism degree, and got a job in marketing writing RPP responses, where I could use my writing skills and learn design. While there, my boss and the company’s senior designer took me under their wing and mentored me. I joined local design organizations like the AIGA and took software courses at the community college. In a few years, I stepped out on my own as a designer and never looked back. Fast forward 20 years, and I’m working for myself as a fractional creative director + senior brand designer for growth-stage brands, healthcare/wellness companies, educational organizations and mission-driven businesses that need strategic creative leadership without hiring full-time. In my career, I’ve either freelanced or worked for Disney, UCF, Walgreens, AdventHealth and many other companies. I’m currently pursuing fine art as well, as a painter, and I’m traveling soon to France where I’ve been accepted into an artist’s residency.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all! I’ve had to pivot many times, and I’d say perseverance and flexibility are the most important reasons for my success. That and trusting my instinct and ability at every turn.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
With 10+ years as a Sr. Designer and Creative Director, I’ve built my career on knowing not just what looks good, but what works. I’ve helped lead omni-channel campaigns and rebrands for major companies like Walgreens and AdventHealth, where every visual decision had to balance brand storytelling with performance. What sets me apart is my conceptual eye for amazing design and my knack for understanding business strategy. Solving problems with art; delivering beauty on a deadline. Ultimately, I’m someone who can move fast, think strategically and elevate visual design to maximize functionality as well as aesthetics.
How do you think about happiness?
Lately everything analog is bringing me joy! I’ve always loved reading a book, flipping the pages in my hand as I get lost in the story. In the past few years, I’ve bought a record player and even toyed with the idea of hosting VHS movie nights at my house. My medium-format Rolleicord camera goes with me everywhere, and taking those black and white photos film photos lights up a different part of my brain. Lastly, my painting style is loose and expressive — a direct rebellion against the pixel-by-pixel precision that I use everyday in my design work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicolemorse.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmphoto120bw/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nmorse/
- Other: https://artists.unitedartscfl.org/artist/nicole-morse/
