Hi, I’m Nicole Gao. I merge 2D animation with a background in animated films and game art to create engaging visuals for diverse media. I’m passionate about storyboarding, character design, and production, with hands-on experience across educational, commercial, and public-sector projects.…

Nicole Gao

Hi, I’m Nicole Gao. I merge 2D animation with a background in animated films and game art to create engaging visuals for diverse media. I’m passionate about storyboarding, character design, and production, with hands-on experience across educational, commercial, and public-sector projects.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Nicole Gao. I merge 2D animation with a background in animated films and game art to create engaging visuals for diverse media.

I’m passionate about storyboarding, character design, and production, with hands-on experience across educational, commercial, and public-sector projects.

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Language

English
Fluent
Chinese
Fluent

Work Experience

Product Designer at Hugsmart
December 1, 2019 - November 16, 2025
Designed over 100 toy concepts combining playful aesthetics with function. Designs launched in PetSmart USA, Winners Canada, Sam’s Club China, and local stores. Products reached 10,000 sales on Amazon. Collaborated cross-functionally to align with market trends and standards.
Customer Experience Associate at Scotiabank
April 1, 2025 - November 16, 2025
Assist clients with transactions, product inquiries, and banking solutions while maintaining high service standards. Work closely with branch teams to resolve customer concerns and promote banking products and services. Deliver personalized financial support and customer service in a fast-paced banking environment, consistently receiving top customer satisfaction ratings.
Social Media Content Creator at Self-Employed
September 1, 2024 - November 16, 2025
Built a 45,000+ follower base across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Xiaohongshu through engaging and original content. Created and shared illustrations, tutorials, and memes tailored to a creative audience. Opened an online shop and sold over 400 units of a self-published art book within two months. Managed content schedules, community engagement, and cross-platform branding to maintain growth and audience loyalty.
Visual Developer at BC Children’s Hospital Digital Lab
August 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Researched and defined visual style for a kid-friendly product. Directed asset creation and AI-enhanced visual outputs.
Product Designer at Metro Vancouver – VR Infrastructure Project
April 1, 2024 - April 1, 2024
Led end-to-end product design from concept to delivery, including user flow visualization and interface design. Produced onboarding animation for an immersive VR experience. Facilitated user onboarding and provided live support during the launch event.
Co-Director at Feeling Home (2D Animated Short Film)
April 1, 2023 - April 1, 2023
Directed and storyboarded a 4-minute short film selected by 7 international festivals, including Fort Smith International Film, Anim!Arte, New York Animation Film Awards, AniMaji Festival, Golden Short Film Festival, Animex Screen and CAFF the Cultural Animation Film Festival. Led a 10-person team and oversaw the full production pipeline.

Education

2D animation at Emily Carr University
September 9, 2019 - May 10, 2023
Degital Media at Centre for digital media
September 4, 2023 - December 17, 2024
Master of Digital Media (Visual Development) at Centre for Digital Media
September 1, 2023 - February 1, 2025
Bachelor of Media Arts – 2D Animation at Emily Carr University of Art + Design
August 1, 2019 - May 1, 2023

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Other, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services