Hi, I’m James Nicolosi-Cao, a junior illustrator whose work often features the macabre, kitsch, and queer influences drawn from personal experiences and pop culture. I love exploring bold storytelling through line, color, and texture, and I’m excited to collaborate with teams that push creative boundaries.…

James Rose Nicolosi-Cao

Hi, I’m James Nicolosi-Cao, a junior illustrator whose work often features the macabre, kitsch, and queer influences drawn from personal experiences and pop culture. I love exploring bold storytelling through line, color, and texture, and I’m excited to collaborate with teams that push creative boundaries.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m James Nicolosi-Cao, a junior illustrator whose work often features the macabre, kitsch, and queer influences drawn from personal experiences and pop culture.

I love exploring bold storytelling through line, color, and texture, and I’m excited to collaborate with teams that push creative boundaries.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
French
Beginner
Italian
Beginner

Work Experience

Storytelling Designer at Books Open
June 9, 2025 - December 12, 2025
Social media management Content creation for Instagram and Tiktok Informative, promotional, and entertaining illustrations both brand-related and more broad Graphic design promoting product and marketing User interface and experience training Testing product flows for errors
Key holder / Assistant Manager at Hot Topic
March 1, 2021 - June 1, 2025
Led store operations, social media management & content creation; Managed opening/closing procedures; Organized & implemented store operations; Oversaw visual changes & cleaning; Supervised staff & trained new hires; Handled customer complaints; Analyzed & reported sales; Ensured safe and secure work environment; Stepped up on three occasions when store was without store management.
Sales Associate at Zumiez
November 1, 2018 - August 1, 2019
Customer service & upselling in a fast-paced environment; Cashiering; Stock & inventory; Visual merchandising & maintenance; Upkeep of store appearance & atmosphere.
Sales Associate at Hot Topic
August 1, 2019 - March 1, 2021
Customer service & upselling in a fast-paced environment; Cashiering; Stock & inventory; Visual merchandising & maintenance; Upkeep of store appearance & atmosphere.
Storytelling Designer at BooksOpen
May 31, 2025 - Present
Design-focused storytelling work for publishing and media projects, collaborating with teams to develop narrative-driven visuals.

Education

Honours Bachelor of Design at OCAD University
September 1, 2019 - April 1, 2025
Honours Bachelor of Design at OCAD University
September 1, 2019 - April 1, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Education, Professional Services