Nicole Welch

Senior Art Director

  • Brought on to lead visual direction for the final development of the Magnetic Literacy program across print and digital materials.

  • Built scalable design systems and visual standards to ensure consistency across multi-component curriculum products.

  • Collaborated with editorial, product, and production teams to deliver accessible educational materials.

  • Supported the launch of a nationally distributed literacy program used by millions of students.

Senior Art Director (Contract) | Curriculum Associates | Jan 2024 – Dec 2025

Open to Senior Art Director, Associate Creative Director,
and Creative Lead opportunities

Hubbardston, MA • Remote • nicolewelchstudio.com
hello@nicolewelchstudio.com • linkedin.com/in/nicolewelch

Professional Experience

Senior Art Director with 15+ years of experience leading editorial, educational, and brand design initiatives. Proven ability to build scalable visual systems, direct cross-functional teams, and deliver award-winning creative across print and digital platforms. Combines strategic thinking, exceptional typography, and strong leadership to create work that informs, engages, and performs.

15+ Years Experience • Award-Winning Publications • 15% Reader Engagement Increase • Millions of Students Reached

Professional Summary

Art Director (Contract) | Scholastic Inc. | Jan 2023 – Oct 2024

  • Directed the design of classroom magazines and literacy materials reaching millions of students.

  • Established typography and layout systems to improve readability for emerging readers.

  • Art directed photography, illustration, and editorial design across print and digital products.

  • Partnered with editorial teams to create visually engaging decodable readers.

Senior Art Director | Cricket Media | Oct 2012 – Feb 2024

  • Led art direction for award-winning publications including MUSE, DIG, ODYSSEY, FACES, and CALLIOPE.

  • Managed and mentored a team of designers while maintaining high
    creative standards.

  • Directed a global network of freelance illustrators and photographers.

  • Oversaw concept development through prepress production.

  • Increased reader engagement by 15% following major redesign initiatives.

Senior Graphic Designer | Alaska Magazine | Jan 2010 – Oct 2012

  • Designed features, departments, and covers for a premier regional lifestyle publication.

  • Collaborated with editorial leadership on visual pacing, flatplanning, and photo-driven storytelling.

Art Director / Editor | HYP Digital Magazine | Jul 2009 – Oct 2012

  • Created responsive layouts and interactive editorial experiences for an early digital publication.

Earlier Experience | Various Design Roles | 2002 – 2012

  • Progressive roles in editorial design, production, and visual communications across agencies and publishing houses.

Core Expertise

  • Creative Leadership: Art Direction, Creative Strategy, Team Leadership, Mentorship

  • Editorial & Educational Design: Publication Design, Curriculum Design, Typography, Accessibility Standards

  • Brand & Production: Visual Systems, Photo Art Direction, Illustration Commissioning, Print Production

  • Tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Keynote, AI-Assisted Creative Workflows

Professional Development & Certifications

Ongoing training in AI-assisted design workflows, UX/UI, digital production, multimedia storytelling, and project management.

Education

Fitchburg State University
B.S. Communications / Media