ASHLEE NICOLE

GRAPHIC + BRAND + WEB Designer

DALLAS, TEXAS

5 favorite musical artists of all time? 

I'd be lying if I said I was a music connoisseur of any sort. I enjoy music but I don't know it or the artists by name usually lol The first few that come to mind though:

1. Lauryn Hill

2. Snoh Aalegra

3. Jazmine Sullivan

4. Mixtape J. Cole

5. and… *freaks out from decision fatigue* Yolanda Adams

What inspires you? 

My taste and style are very classic and minimalistic. I like to think longevity first and trends second when it comes to my line of work and personal style. I love a solid, classic and simple foundation that can be built upon. Clean lines and shapes, balance and consistency, etc. and then add in just enough of a crazy color or pattern, but not too much.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Get out of your head! Somehow you've managed to become your own biggest fan and worst enemy at the same time. Lean into that confidence that you have when no one’s watching. Lean into those powerful words you never let anyone read. Save all of those pieces you want to scrap or not finish. Don't let that fear cripple you because one day, you'll make a living off of all of that, just like you dreamed of.

What industry blogs/websites/podcasts do you enjoy?

Social Proof Podcast, Seth's Blog, Hubspot.

What do you think the future holds for people of color in creative industries?

I think it's BRIGHT for all of us! People of color already naturally drive culture and therefore many industries, it's only right for us to continue to create and innovate whether that be from within these large companies or independently.

What is your dream job?

My dream job wouldn't look too much differently that what I do now. It'd just lead to more impact! I want to help improve the lives of the Black and underserved communities through the use of design, marketing and creative strategies.

What skill(s) would you develop if you had more time? 

I'd definitely continue to jump face first into UX/UI. I also have a solid foundation in basic coding but with more time, I'd love to get up to speed on some of the newer languages.

What is the last thing you learned? 

I'm in the process of merging my 10+ years of graphic design into the world of UX Design. With that, I'm sharpening old design skills, learning new platforms like Figma, and thinking differently about inclusivity and equity.

What are you working on right now?

For 11 years, I've has been helping entrepreneurs and small business owners develop brand identities, eliminate brand shame, and maintain visual consistency by building strategic visual identities they're proud to show off. My passion stems from knowing firsthand how vital branding is for entrepreneurs stepping into the world for the first time as subject matter experts and the faces of their businesses.

I'm fascinated with color psychology and pride myself on a clean, minimalistic design aesthetic. My most recent work and studies have led me to UX Research and Design, explicitly focusing on equity in design as the topic intersects with my personal experiences and projects advocating for wellness, chronic illness, and disability issues.

If you could talk to your favorite creative for an hour, who would it be? Why?

DonYe Taylor. She always has her finger on the pulse and has fresh ideas that she communicates effortlessly. I'd love to hear more details about her experience as a consultant and how she balances that with influencing.

What advice would you give to creatives of color looking to pursue their passion full-time?

Bet on yourself but remember to not only network up but network across. I've built my business on referrals and people speaking my names in rooms I wasn't originally invited to. Having people that will bring you in and put you on is priceless. And when they leave that door cracked for you, step in with confidence and KILL IT!

How do you keep your creative drip going? 

I stay curious and continue to learn. I step outside of my immediate interests often. Learning about new things leads to identifying new issues and challenges that could possible be solved via design.

Contact: hey@byashleenicole.com

Check out her portfolio for more of her work!