I'm a multidisciplinary designer with 18+ years of experience in branding, communications design, and creative production. I translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals across print and digital formats. I'm passionate about partnering with mission-driven teams to deliver brands and campaigns that resonate, combining curiosity, compassion, and operational clarity to produce print collateral, digital assets, and production-ready files that move projects forward.

Nicki Franks

I'm a multidisciplinary designer with 18+ years of experience in branding, communications design, and creative production. I translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals across print and digital formats. I'm passionate about partnering with mission-driven teams to deliver brands and campaigns that resonate, combining curiosity, compassion, and operational clarity to produce print collateral, digital assets, and production-ready files that move projects forward.

Available to hire

I’m a multidisciplinary designer with 18+ years of experience in branding, communications design, and creative production. I translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals across print and digital formats.

I’m passionate about partnering with mission-driven teams to deliver brands and campaigns that resonate, combining curiosity, compassion, and operational clarity to produce print collateral, digital assets, and production-ready files that move projects forward.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Independent Designer & Studio Founder at Chirpy Bird Studio
January 1, 2022 - Present
Founder and solo-run creative studio delivering branding, layout, visual storytelling across print, digital, and merchandise for small businesses and nonprofits. Manages full-cycle production from onboarding to production-ready delivery and oversees business operations; committed to ongoing skill development.
Senior Graphic Designer & Client Services Specialist at Marathon Printing
January 1, 2014 - Present
Managed the full creative process for client projects—from discovery and timeline planning through final design and print delivery. Created original artwork for print collateral, signage, packaging, and digital media. Implemented a standardized digital proofing system to improve clarity and streamline revisions; reduced client errors and internal production delays.
Contract Project Manager & Graphic Designer at Journey Communications
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013
Coordinated and designed print and environmental graphics for a large-scale trade show involving numerous clients and custom booths. Created presentation packets, signage, and booth renderings for client review and production teams. Collaborated with lead project managers to source vendors, manage files, purchase furnishings, and organize production details.
Graphic Designer & Prepress Artist at Executive Printing
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2012
Prepped all artwork for digital and offset press output, including file corrections, color separations, digital and hard proofing, and prepress layout. Operated and maintained digital presses, wide-format printers, and plate-making equipment. Designed and recreated client artwork for production, often guiding external designers on print-readiness best practices. Maintained the company website, supported online customer portals, and consulted on software upgrades and workflow improvements.
Graphic Designer at ECORE International
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2008
Produced trade show graphics, catalogs, and branded materials across multiple product lines. Collaborated on rebranding projects and partner campaigns, including a major brand initiative with Nike. Coordinated with the in-house design manager and vendors to ensure smooth asset development and final delivery.
Independent Designer at Chirpy Bird Studio
January 1, 2022 - Present
Leads a solo-run creative studio specializing in branding, layout, and visual storytelling across print, digital, and merchandise—serving small businesses and nonprofits. Oversees full-cycle creative production—from client onboarding and concepting through design execution, revision cycles, and production-ready file delivery for both print and digital platforms. Maintains infrastructure for business operations. Engages in ongoing skill development to remain creatively challenged and responsive to emerging tools and trends.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts: Graphic Design at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007

Qualifications

Adobe Creative Educator – Level 1
August 1, 2025 - December 9, 2025
Adobe Creative Educator – Level 1
August 1, 2025 - February 5, 2026

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment