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I’m Nicole Mak, founder and Creative Director of The People Design Studio. I lead creative strategy and direction across branding, illustration, packaging and print, blending strong conceptual thinking with a hands-on design approach. I’m driven by curiosity and a passion for visual storytelling, always pushing creative boundaries to transform ideas into meaningful visuals that connect with people.…I’m Nicole Mak, founder and Creative Director of The People Design Studio. I lead creative strategy and direction across branding, illustration, packaging and print, blending strong conceptual thinking with a hands-on design approach. I’m driven by curiosity and a passion for visual storytelling, always pushing creative boundaries to transform ideas into meaningful visuals that connect with people.

Nicole Mak

Creative Director, Brand Designer, Graphic Designer, +3

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I’m Nicole Mak, founder and Creative Director of The People Design Studio. I lead creative strategy and direction across branding, illustration, packaging and print, blending strong conceptual thinking with a hands-on design approach. I’m driven by curiosity and a passion for visual storytelling, always pushing creative boundaries to transform ideas into meaningful visuals that connect with people.…I’m Nicole Mak, founder and Creative Director of The People Design Studio. I lead creative strategy and direction across branding, illustration, packaging and print, blending strong conceptual thinking with a hands-on design approach. I’m driven by curiosity and a passion for visual storytelling, always pushing creative boundaries to transform ideas into meaningful visuals that connect with people.

Available to hire

I’m Nicole Mak, founder and Creative Director of The People Design Studio. I lead creative strategy and direction across branding, illustration, packaging and print, blending strong conceptual thinking with a hands-on design approach.

I’m driven by curiosity and a passion for visual storytelling, always pushing creative boundaries to transform ideas into meaningful visuals that connect with people.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Founder & Creative Director at The People Design Studio

January 1, 2022 - November 26, 2025

Lead creative strategy and direction across branding, illustration, and print; oversee a small team; manage multiple client accounts; mentor apprentices and freelancers; uphold studio values through quality design outcomes.

Freelance Graphic Designer at Self-Employed

January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023

Delivered bespoke brand and graphic design solutions for independent businesses, startups, and creative professionals.

Brand & Fashion Visual Design Assistant (Contract) at Dolce & Gabbana

July 1, 2017 - November 26, 2025

Supported exclusive brand launch events, contributing to visual layout, brand presentation, and VIP styling concepts; collaborated with creative and visual merchandising teams to align with seasonal trends and brand consistency.

Graphic & Textile Courses Assistant at Adams College

December 31, 2016 - December 31, 2016

Supported graphic and textile courses; fostered creativity and collaboration; guided students through design processes.

Textile Curriculum Assistant at Adams School

December 31, 2015 - December 31, 2015

Assisted in curriculum development and classroom activities for textile subjects.

School Graphic Publication Team Member at Adams School

December 31, 2016 - December 31, 2016

Collaborated on design and production of school publications; contributed to visual coherence across campaigns.

Freelance Graphic Designer at Self-Employed

January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023

Delivered bespoke brand and graphic design solutions for independent businesses, startups, and creative professionals. Developed brand identities, digital illustrations, packaging, and marketing materials. Collaborated with photographers and content creators to strengthen visual cohesion across campaigns. Built a strong client base through high-quality work and strategic visual problem-solving.

Child Welfare & Cover Supervisor at Link3 Recruitment

March 1, 2021 - March 1, 2023

Supervised Art & Design Technology classes, fostering creativity and collaboration. Integrated real-world design principles into lesson tasks and student projects. Guided students through concept development, colour theory, and layout composition. Encouraged visuals to storytelling and attention to detail in creative outputs. Managed multiple projects under tight deadlines with professionalism and precision.

Graphic Publication Culture Consortium at Shropshire Council

August 1, 2016 - Present

Collaborated with local communities, young people, and creative practitioners to co-design and produce community-focused creative projects and publications for Shropshire Council. Participated in all stages of the creative process—research, concept development, design, production, and publication. Reviewed and refined publications and design materials with strong attention to detail. Contributed to visually cohesive and high-quality outputs that support community engagement.

Production and Digital Media Assistant at Active, Wem

July 1, 2016 - Present

Focused on filming, editing, and digital media production for community-based projects. Applied advanced Adobe software skills to create visual content, assist with web design, and develop digital publications. Collaborated with a creative production team to support the delivery of impactful community media.

Merchandise & Marketing Assistant at DMF International Ltd

July 1, 2018 - July 1, 2018

Collaborated with merchandising and marketing teams for autumn fair events, assisting with branding, product presentation, and promotional materials.