I'm Elise Nichols, a passionate, forward-thinking graphic designer who works across print and experiential campaigns. I love pushing the boundaries of brands, campaigns, and immersive experiences, blending strategic insights with bold visuals to drive memorable experiences. I mentor and collaborate across teams, stay ahead of industry trends, and enjoy turning ideas into production-ready assets—from packaging and signage to large-scale marketing activations.…

Elise Nichols

I'm Elise Nichols, a passionate, forward-thinking graphic designer who works across print and experiential campaigns. I love pushing the boundaries of brands, campaigns, and immersive experiences, blending strategic insights with bold visuals to drive memorable experiences. I mentor and collaborate across teams, stay ahead of industry trends, and enjoy turning ideas into production-ready assets—from packaging and signage to large-scale marketing activations.…

Available to hire

I’m Elise Nichols, a passionate, forward-thinking graphic designer who works across print and experiential campaigns. I love pushing the boundaries of brands, campaigns, and immersive experiences, blending strategic insights with bold visuals to drive memorable experiences.

I mentor and collaborate across teams, stay ahead of industry trends, and enjoy turning ideas into production-ready assets—from packaging and signage to large-scale marketing activations.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Graphic Designer at Urban Outfitters
October 1, 2021 - Present
Keen understanding of brand identity, strong conceptor for campaigns and brand initiatives; Creative lead overseeing much of UO Home packaging, leading new design initiatives; Extensive experience in packaging design and production—including dielines, print file setup, and working with vendors to ensure high-quality execution; Mentor to mid and junior level designers on skillshares and various projects.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Freelance
May 1, 2018 - Present
Past clients include: Makine Studios, WYNK, Yowie, Sproos!, Blackstar Film Festival Kode for Klossy, & Sisterfriend Jewelry; Independent designer and self-starter eager to help communities in Philly area and beyond; Specializing in logos, custom typography, social graphics, branding presentations, and brand id.
Mid-Level Graphic Designer at Urban Outfitters
October 1, 2020 - October 1, 2021
Assisted with UO Holiday 2021 campaign creating large-scale window designs with CD; Stepped into larger role with package design, mentorship, communication; Designed retail signage, sale posters, event materials, wallpaper displays, wayfinding; Assisted with digital design including social media, emails, and paid advertising; Collaborated with buyers, photographers, copywriters to better develop projects.
Junior Graphic Designer at Urban Outfitters
May 1, 2018 - October 1, 2020
Re-created many posters, designs, assets from Senior Designer’s direction; Worked heavily with project managers to design fast-paced design needs: signage, posters, merch; Contributed to seasonal campaigns, created print textures, logos, editorial layouts; Conceptualized + designed packaging from dielines and copy to print-ready files + tech packs.
Intern: Print Graphic Designer at Urban Outfitters
September 1, 2017 - Present
Developed industry-standard typography knowledge, contributed to seasonal graphics; Designed, printed, and presented company-wide intern project to leadership; Learned collaborative design processes, fundamentals of print, digital, and package design.
Chapter President at AIGA, University of Maryland Chapter
October 1, 2019 - December 1, 2020
Coordinated and launched event workshops, portfolio reviews, and guest speaker sessions; Served as the primary liaison between club members, faculty, and external partners; Encouraged participation, addressed member needs, and fostered a positive and inclusive environment.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Self-Employed
May 1, 2018 - Present
Managed projects and deadlines with collaboration; served communities in the Philadelphia area with diverse client work; stayed current with trends and visual appeal through a variety of projects; past clients include Makine Studios, WYNK, Yowie, Sproos!, Blackstar Film Festival, Kode for Klossy, & Sisterfriend Jewelry.
Freelance Senior Graphic Designer / Art Director at Self-Employed / Freelance
May 1, 2018 - Present
Worked with brands in Philadelphia and NYC for flyers, logos, social; clients included Yowie, Goods Vintage, Blackstar Film Festival, Kode for Klossy, Philly Roller Derby, Sisterfriend, Photo lounge, Sproos. Designed flyers and planned large-scale show with 100+ attendees. Curated a 16-person experiential art show, “Dollhouse”, in a South Philadelphia row home with 90+ attendees.
Freelance Senior Graphic Designer / Art Director at Various clients (Philadelphia / NYC)
May 1, 2018 - Present
Collaborated with brands in Philadelphia and NYC on flyers, logos, and social content; designed flyers and planned large-scale shows; curated a 16-person experiential art show, “Dollhouse,” in a South Philly row home with 90+ attendees.
Freelance Senior Graphic Designer / Art Director at Various Clients (Philly / NYC)
May 1, 2018 - Present
Collaborated with brands on flyers, logos, and social assets; designed promotional materials for events and campaigns; planned and executed large-scale shows (100+ attendees); curated a 16-person experiential art show, 'Dollhouse', in a South Philly row home with 90+ attendees.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art (Graphic Design) at University of Maryland, College Park
January 11, 2030 - December 12, 2025
Fellowship in Strategic Design and Communication at University of Maryland, Smith School of Business
January 11, 2030 - December 12, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art (Graphic Design) at University of Maryland, College Park
January 11, 2030 - December 30, 2025
Fellowship in Strategic Design and Communication at Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
January 11, 2030 - December 30, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art (Graphic Design) at University of Maryland, College Park
January 11, 2030 - May 11, 2026
Fellowship in Strategic Design and Communication at Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
January 11, 2030 - May 11, 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art (Graphic Design) at University of Maryland, College Park
January 11, 2030 - May 11, 2026
Fellowship in Strategic Design and Communication at Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
January 11, 2030 - May 11, 2026
B.A. in Studio Art (Graphic Design) at University of Maryland, College Park
January 11, 2030 - June 28, 2026
Fellowship in Strategic Design and Communication at Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
January 11, 2030 - June 28, 2026

Qualifications

Clarvit Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - December 30, 2025
G.D. course instructor (1-credit)
January 11, 2030 - December 30, 2025
Graphic Design Clarvit Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - May 11, 2026
Graphic Design Clarvit Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - May 11, 2026
Graphic Design Clarvit Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - June 28, 2026
STIC 1-Credit Graphic Design Course Instructor
January 11, 2030 - June 28, 2026

Industry Experience

Retail, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Education, Other, Consumer Goods
    Urban Outfitters SXSW Event Activation

    Pitched + delivered concept for Urban Outfitter’s yearly SXSW activation in Austin, Texas. Designed a pitch deck, presented to various teams internally and externally (marketing, higher-up execs), and executed designs for print mediums. We created stage backdrops, large-scale neon spot color posters, a range of merch giveaways, and custom type + icons. UO provided housing + transportation to Austin for this event, so I was able to see this event in person with my AD + CD.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    UO x Parade Activation & Pop-Up

    Designed custom typeface for the Parade x UO launch and activation. Created posters for in-store display, wheat-paste posters, custom stickers, merch, and window vinyl. Shows is a series of printed materials, various signs, and activation posters for this event. I attended the event as well, as UO provided transportation and housing, and got to get a custom embroidery patch!

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    Mod Spuds Restaurant Logo + Branding

    Created brand-id for local restaurant in Philadelphia. Worked closely with the owner and team to develop logo, color, and branding for her new restaurant. Team loved the work, and we had a great Friends and Family soft-launch!