Available to hire
Hello, I’m Nicholas Zgraggen, a multidisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn, NY. I am a Pratt Institute graduate with full scholarship and a Dean Merit Scholar background, with a history of art, education, and community engagement. With over 12 years of industry experience, I specialize in digital drawing, drafting, and design, and I’m bilingual, creative, adaptable, and diplomatic.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Writer at International Association for Professional Writers
June 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025Conducted in-depth research on a wide variety of industries and topics to produce compelling, accurate content. Crafted high-impact narratives aligned with progressive values, uplifting marginalized voices. Specialized in digital writing strategies, optimizing content for online consumption focusing on SEO, AI evolution, research trends, and breaking news to increase audience engagement.
Graphic Design Mentor at Native Americans in Higher Education
May 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025Connected students with design networks and professional organizations. Guided students in integrating cultural identity with mainstream academic and design environments. Supported skill development in foundational and advanced design, encouraging creativity reflecting personal and cultural identity. Worked to identify and dismantle barriers faced by Native students such as lack of representation and financial constraints.
Art Facilitator at Yellospot Designs
April 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025Designed and led inclusive cultural and art workshops for students and youth across New York City's five boroughs. Managed workshops logistics including material preparation and participant communication. Collaborated with government, community, artists, and organizations to tailor programming for youth engagement and education.
Freelance Artist Graphic Designer, Model at Self-employed
January 1, 2017 - June 30, 2025Worked as a photographer and videographer for i-D Magazine enhancing visual storytelling. Modeled for Sedition Magazine and contributed editorial narratives. Designed creative concepts for the Sundance Film Festival, merging art with cinematic expression. Crafted tattoos enriching client experiences and produced varied freelance paintings. Assisted as a photographer for Smut Magazine focusing on detail and composition.
Artist In Residence at Carrie Able Gallery
September 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025Led multidisciplinary art projects and exhibited multidisciplinary work. Trained in artist negotiations and business management to enhance professional relationships and sustainability. Executed professional installation, curation, and gallery administration to elevate artistic presentation and viewer engagement.
Account Manager at Avalanche Management
August 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023Facilitated successful negotiations ensuring favorable outcomes for all involved parties. Coordinated complex projects managing timelines, resources, and communication to achieve successful completion. Cultivated and maintained strong client relationships promoting satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
Creative Designer and Project Manager at American Eagle
May 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022Formulated innovative creative designs improving brand visibility and audience engagement. Engineered and executed new paintings and textiles on apparel aligning artistic vision with market trends.
Painting Instructor at The Drip JC
September 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024Coordinated and developed comprehensive lesson plans and class directives. Assembled professional portfolios showcasing students' artistic evolution and mastery across mediums.
Graphic Designer, Print Specialist at E Lawrence
May 1, 2022 - August 31, 2023Conceptualized and designed books, magazines, and website updates creating compelling visual narratives. Developed new creative initiatives fostering innovation within the team. Maintained print machinery applying CAD and Adobe Design expertise to ensure high-quality production, turning conceptual ideas into tangible 3D manifestations enhancing product presentation.
Assistant Librarian, Visual Multimedia Specialist at Pratt Institute Library
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2020Catalogued and curated professional shows enhancing cultural outreach. Educated patrons on library resources fostering a vibrant learning community. Managed electronic exhibitions and digital art installations showcasing innovative multimedia art.
Gallery Assistant and Intern at Salmagundi Art Club
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018Organized gallery events including auctions, shows, exhibitions enhancing community engagement. Executed administrative tasks including website maintenance. Gained hands-on experience in art handling, framing, installation, and professional curation.
Media Specialists and Teaching Artist at Brooklyn College Community Partnership
August 1, 2025 - PresentDirect and coordinate youth activities, lessons, and educational events in conjunction with Brooklyn College's oversight and assistance. Researched and developed poignant educational lessons aimed at bringing awareness to youth, helping to evolve and develop their awareness of worldly events through art and media. Built portfolios, websites, photography shoots, media research programs and after-school drawing programs for youth, developing artistic skills and media literacy.
Government Art Facilitator at Yellospot Designs
April 1, 2025 - PresentDesigned and led inclusive, process-based cultural and art workshops for students and youth across New York's five boroughs. Managed workshops and logistics, including material preparation, participant communication and outreach. Collaborated with government entities, community, artists and tailored programming for youth engagement and education.
Freelance Artist, Graphic Design Specialist, Model at Self-Employed
January 1, 2017 - PresentContributed visually as a Photographer and Videographer for i-D Magazine; modeled for Sedition Magazine; designed concepts for the Sundance Film Festival; worked as Tattoo Artist and Designer; assisted as a Photographer for Smut Magazine.
Creative Director and Project Manager at American Eagle
May 1, 2021 - July 1, 2022Formulated innovative creative designs that significantly enhanced brand visibility and audience engagement. Engineered and executed new paintings and textiles on apparel, aligning artistic vision with market trends.
Graphic Designer, Print Specialist, Marketing Specialist at E Lawrence
May 1, 2022 - August 1, 2023Conceptualized and designed books, magazines, and website updates, transforming ideas into compelling visual narratives. Developed new creative initiatives, fostering innovation within the team. Maintained print machinery and applied CAD and Adobe Design expertise to ensure high-quality production. Skilled at turning conceptual ideas into tangible 3D manifestations, enhancing product presentation.
Visual Multimedia Specialist at Pratt Visual Resource Archive
January 1, 2017 - December 1, 2020Handled historic film and media equipment, including traditional recording equipment and film/audio files; maintained upkeep and Educational dissemination. Executed administrative upkeep, managed website, digital catalog maintenance, and learning center education. Assisted in curating, installing, and de-installation of digital art exhibitions at Pratt's Library. Trained in professional research practices, archival processes, and data archiving protocols.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Fine Arts at Pratt Institute
January 1, 2016 - December 1, 2020Associate Degree, Painting at Pratt Institute
January 1, 2016 - December 1, 2018Presidential Merit Scholar Recipient at Pratt Institute
January 1, 2016 - January 16, 2026Tuition Exchange Scholarship Recipient at Pratt Institute
January 1, 2016 - January 16, 2026Dean Merit Scholarship at Pratt Institute
January 1, 2016 - January 16, 2026Qualifications
Presidential Merit Scholar Recipient
January 1, 2016 - January 16, 2026Tuition Exchange Scholarship Recipient
January 1, 2016 - January 16, 2026Dean Merit Scholarship
January 1, 2016 - January 16, 2026Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Retail, Non-Profit Organization, Software & Internet, Other
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Hire a 1st Assistant Director
We have the best 1st assistant director experts on Twine. Hire a 1st assistant director in Brooklyn today.