Hi, I’m Elise Nichols—a passionate, forward-thinking graphic designer who thrives at the intersection of brands, campaigns, and experiential projects. I love pushing the boundaries of print and digital to create bold, cohesive experiences from concept to production. With hands-on leadership on large-scale campaigns at Urban Outfitters and a robust freelance practice in Philadelphia and NYC, I blend trend-spotting with practical execution to deliver assets that perform. I’m equally comfortable mentoring junior designers and collaborating with cross-functional teams, from buyers to photographers and copywriters. I’m driven by learning, experimentation, and telling stories through color, typography, and packaging that resonate with people and move brands forward.…

Elise Nichols

Hi, I’m Elise Nichols—a passionate, forward-thinking graphic designer who thrives at the intersection of brands, campaigns, and experiential projects. I love pushing the boundaries of print and digital to create bold, cohesive experiences from concept to production. With hands-on leadership on large-scale campaigns at Urban Outfitters and a robust freelance practice in Philadelphia and NYC, I blend trend-spotting with practical execution to deliver assets that perform. I’m equally comfortable mentoring junior designers and collaborating with cross-functional teams, from buyers to photographers and copywriters. I’m driven by learning, experimentation, and telling stories through color, typography, and packaging that resonate with people and move brands forward.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Elise Nichols—a passionate, forward-thinking graphic designer who thrives at the intersection of brands, campaigns, and experiential projects. I love pushing the boundaries of print and digital to create bold, cohesive experiences from concept to production. With hands-on leadership on large-scale campaigns at Urban Outfitters and a robust freelance practice in Philadelphia and NYC, I blend trend-spotting with practical execution to deliver assets that perform.

I’m equally comfortable mentoring junior designers and collaborating with cross-functional teams, from buyers to photographers and copywriters. I’m driven by learning, experimentation, and telling stories through color, typography, and packaging that resonate with people and move brands forward.

See more

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.

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

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

Industry Experience

Retail, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Education, Other, Consumer Goods
    paper 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

    paper 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

    paper 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!