Nicki Franks

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.

About

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.

  • Joined December 2025

Languages

  • EnglishFluent

Industry experience

  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Professional Services
  • Media & Entertainment

More experts in Philadelphia, United States

Projects · 1

![Petri Collective identity overview](https://www.twine.net/signin

Petri Collective is a nonprofit community lab built around hands-on, accessible science.

The challenge was to create an identity that could hold that balance—credible without feeling cold, expressive without tipping into novelty.

The Mark

The system centers on a logo inspired by a petri dish: organic, modular, and slightly unpredictable. It nods to experimentation without getting overly literal.

![Logo system variations](https://www.twine.net/signin

Rather than a single locked mark, the identity was designed to adapt—maintaining clarity across formats, sizes, and contexts.

![Animated logo mark](https://www.twine.net/signin

The System

The visual language builds outward from the mark.

A color palette drawn from scientific environments keeps things grounded, while still allowing for contrast and energy.

![Color Palette](https://www.twine.net/signin

Typography follows the same principle—structured and confident, without feeling rigid.

![Typography](https://www.twine.net/signin

A custom periodic table pattern extends the system, giving the brand a flexible texture that scales from subtle background to primary visual.

![Brand Pattern](https://www.twine.net/signin

In Use

The identity was designed to hold up across real-world applications—digital, physical, and everything in between.

![Social Media - Instagram Posts](https://www.twine.net/signin

![ID Badges](https://www.twine.net/signin

![Branded Merch - Tshirt and Notepad](https://www.twine.net/signin

![Event Signage](https://www.twine.net/signin

Recognition

Featured in DesignRush’s Best Nonprofit Logos and nominated for Best Logo Design (January 2026).

Credits
Design & Art Direction: Chirpy Bird Studio

Petri Collective – Visual Identity System
  • Brand Designer
  • Copywriter
  • Creative Director
  • +5

Work experience· 6 roles

Independent Designer · Chirpy Bird StudioJan 2022 – Present · 4 yrs 11 mos

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.

Independent Designer & Studio Founder · Chirpy Bird StudioJan 2022 – Present · 4 yrs 11 mos

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 · Marathon PrintingJan 2014 – Present · 12 yrs 11 mos

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 · Journey CommunicationsJan 2013 – Dec 2013 · 1 yr
Graphic Designer & Prepress Artist · Executive PrintingJan 2009 – Dec 2012 · 4 yrs
Graphic Designer · ECORE InternationalJan 2007 – Dec 2008 · 2 yrs

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts: Graphic Design · Pennsylvania College of Art & Design2030 – 2007
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design · Pennsylvania College of Art & Design2030 – 2007

Certifications and awards

Adobe Creative Educator – Level 12025
Adobe Creative Educator – Level 12025 – 2026

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