With over 13 years of experience in advertising and design strategy, I specialise in building impactful brand identities and shaping engaging user experiences. Throughout my career, I’ve led the art direction and visual identity for global and local brands including Heineken, Jameson, Absolut, UBB, Telenor, EVN, and numerous fashion labels. As Head of Art at DDB Sofia, one of Bulgaria’s most awarded agencies, I was responsible for the management, development, and visual excellence of campaigns that earned both client success and industry recognition. Beyond agency leadership, I am dedicated to design education and mentorship, teaching and volunteering with NGOs such as Mentor the Young to support and inspire emerging creative talent. You can see some of my recent work at _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_…

Nataliya Nikolova

With over 13 years of experience in advertising and design strategy, I specialise in building impactful brand identities and shaping engaging user experiences. Throughout my career, I’ve led the art direction and visual identity for global and local brands including Heineken, Jameson, Absolut, UBB, Telenor, EVN, and numerous fashion labels. As Head of Art at DDB Sofia, one of Bulgaria’s most awarded agencies, I was responsible for the management, development, and visual excellence of campaigns that earned both client success and industry recognition. Beyond agency leadership, I am dedicated to design education and mentorship, teaching and volunteering with NGOs such as Mentor the Young to support and inspire emerging creative talent. You can see some of my recent work at _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_…

Available to hire

With over 13 years of experience in advertising and design strategy, I specialise in building impactful brand identities and shaping engaging user experiences. Throughout my career, I’ve led the art direction and visual identity for global and local brands including Heineken, Jameson, Absolut, UBB, Telenor, EVN, and numerous fashion labels.

As Head of Art at DDB Sofia, one of Bulgaria’s most awarded agencies, I was responsible for the management, development, and visual excellence of campaigns that earned both client success and industry recognition. Beyond agency leadership, I am dedicated to design education and mentorship, teaching and volunteering with NGOs such as Mentor the Young to support and inspire emerging creative talent.

You can see some of my recent work at Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup

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Language

English
Fluent
Bulgarian
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner

Work Experience

Graphic Designer at The Smarts
June 1, 2018 - October 1, 2025
Created visual assets, branding materials, and campaigns; collaborated with cross-functional teams.
Design Teacher at Royal
December 31, 2006 - October 1, 2025
Delivered design instruction and project-based learning in a prequalification program.
Art Director at Human Agency
December 31, 2020 - October 1, 2025
Led creative direction for brand campaigns, overseeing concept development and visual output.
Junior Art Director at Guts and Brains DDB
December 31, 2020 - October 1, 2025
Supported senior art directors, contributed to concepting and visual execution.
Art Director at Guts and Brains DDB
December 31, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Led art direction across multiple campaigns, driving visual storytelling and brand consistency.
Head of Art at Guts and Brains DDB
January 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025
Oversees art direction and design strategy for the agency, mentoring teams and aligning creative output with client goals.
Design Teacher at Softuni Creative
January 1, 2024 - Present
Contract lecturer delivering design curriculum and mentoring students.

Education

Bachelor degree in Poster and Ad design at New Bulgarian University
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2014
Upskill class in UX/UI at Telerik Academy
April 1, 2022 - July 1, 2022

Qualifications

Upskill class in UX/UI
April 1, 2022 - July 1, 2022

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Other, Non-Profit Organization
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