Nick Porter
Design that inspires action. Leadership that inspires people.
Design leader with 20 years of experience in hands-on print and digital design, art direction, and creative mentorship for organizations dedicated to enriching lives.
Early in my career, I discovered my passion for design and have since had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of creative projects across different industries. I’ve always enjoyed exploring different areas of design and expanding my skills, not only because I love the hands-on work, but because that experience helps me better collaborate with, provide feedback to, and mentor other designers.
As my career has evolved, I’ve found that I enjoy helping others succeed just as much as I enjoy designing. Sharing what I’ve learned and making design more accessible have become some of the most rewarding parts of my work.
That interest led me to pursue a master’s degree in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego. My graduate research explored how leadership, organizational culture, and support systems help creative teams thrive. I also hold certificates in Photography, Web Design, and Graphic Design, and have contributed to the design community as Web Director for AIGA San Diego, Design Judge for the CASE District VII Awards, and Communications Director for the University of San Diego SOLES GSA.
Outside of design, you’ll usually find me mixing music, photographing ice cream, or exploring a new creative outlet!
Cultivating Creativity: Leadership, Culture, and Support for Design Teams
In 2020, I completed a master’s degree in Leadership Studies with a special emphasis on Design Leadership at the University of San Diego (USD). At the time, I had experience managing designers and design projects, but I recognized that managing was not the same as leading. I wanted to better understand how to move beyond simply managing and develop the skills, perspective, and approach needed to inspire and empower.
During my time at USD, I conducted literature reviews and surveyed experienced creative leaders to identify the leadership styles and organizational components commonly found in highly motivated, high-performing design teams.
My goal in this research was not only to help myself succeed as a design leader, but also to share my findings with emerging design leaders, providing them with a tool to ease the transition from designer to leader by identifying the key leadership, cultural, and support factors that influence design team creativity.
Kind Words from the People I’ve Worked With
“It’s amazing how consistently I hear people throughout the year talk about how much they love working with Nick. The feedback comes from everywhere — within Brand and Marketing, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams. It’s a regular drumbeat of unsolicited positive feedback about the impact he makes and the collaborative, team-oriented approach he brings to his work. We’re so glad to have Nick helping drive our mission forward. — Janell H., Chief Brand & Marketing Officer, Make-A-Wish America
“Nick is an invaluable member of the Creative Team, Brand Team, and the broader Make-A-Wish organization. He has consistently met or exceeded every established goal, often surpassing expectations through the quality, impact, and scope of his contributions. Nick demonstrates strong leadership across his work and on the creative team. He takes ownership and leads through positivity and empowerment.” — Jason K., Senior Design Manager, Make-A-Wish America
“Nick was a wonderful leader to work under! He is creative, enthusiastic, motivating, kind, organized, and always has a smile on his face. Nick was not only fun to work with, but I could always count on him for guidance and to help answer any questions I came across. Nick is an amazing leader that people enjoy coming to work for.” — Julia O., Senior Graphic Designer, American Specialty Health
“Nick is one of the most creative, enthusiastic, and positive individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He is a wonderful person and colleague, always with a smile on his face. He will continue to be a true asset in every path he takes.” — Erin S., Graphic Designer, American Specialty Health
“Nick’s positive and efficient work ethic made him a great asset to our organization and my team. His organization and prioritization skills allowed me to always deliver creative, modern, well-developed materials to my clients. Along with Nick’s professionalism, he knows how to brighten everyone’s day and cultivate a positive work environment. Nick has a promising future, and I would be lucky to work with him again in the future!” — Sheri K., Account Manager, American Specialty Health
“Nick’s fun and engaging material has inspired thousands of members across the country to make healthier and happier changes to their lives. His material is definitely one-of-a-kind and easily catches everyone’s attention. His professional and energetic personality makes him a great team member and someone I am proud to say I had the pleasure of working with!” — Alison M., Account Manager, American Specialty Health
“I was fortunate to have Nick as a manager. He is one of the most positive and encouraging people I know. His feedback was constructive and solution-oriented. He never missed an opportunity to let me know that my work and ideas were valued.” — Ashley L., Graphic Designer, HOIST Fitness
“Working with Nick is a joy. He is extremely creative and thinks outside the box. His strong work ethic delivers a beautiful final product that is exactly what the client requested. He always takes the next step and offers suggestions to make the product better. Nick goes above and beyond to get the job done.” — Jill L., Program Director, ExxonMobil
“After working with Nick for a few years, I hired him to design the logo for a new company I started. Nick always produces top-quality work and shows an amazing amount of creativity and design insight. I don’t think I’ve ever worked with anyone else who could match his passion for producing the best possible work.” — Dione D., Owner, Airways Brewing
“I have had the good fortune of working in the graphics industry for over 30 years, and I can honestly say that Nick is one of the most positive and open-minded creative people I have ever worked with. In this day of pressure to get everything ‘now,’ Nick is always level-headed and goes about his workday with so much good energy that he makes those around him better.” — Kevin K., Senior Account Executive, R.R. Donnelley
Make-A-Wish America
2025, Quarterly All-Star Employee Award
Recognized by CEO for excellence in role execution and consistently delivering high-quality work.
2024, Brand Award, Canva Enterprise Launch
Recognized for leading the organization’s launch of Canva Enterprise, including system infrastructure/governance, brand kits/templates, system documentation, and user onboarding/training.
2024, Brand Award, Creative Excellence
Recognized for delivering a high volume of print and digital creative projects across multiple departments under tight deadlines, with 100% of deliverables completed on or ahead of schedule.
2024, Brand Award, Wellness Influencer
Recognized for promoting healthy habits and encouraging colleagues to prioritize wellness.
2023, Quarterly All-Star Employee Award
Recognized by CEO for excellence in role execution and consistently delivering high-quality work.
2021, Brand Award, Creative Excellence
Recognized for delivering a high volume of print and digital creative projects across multiple departments under tight deadlines, with 100% of deliverables completed on or ahead of schedule.
American Specialty Health
2014, Teamwork Award
Recognized for leading a team in designing materials and communications supporting the relocation of more than 700 employees.
2013, Innovation Award
Recognized for leading a manual digitization initiative that generated approximately $1.7 million in annual print savings.
2010, Service Award
Recognized for providing excellent customer service to internal stakeholders.
2010, President’s Award
Recognized for design and content contributions to a 1,200+ piece promotional wellness catalog.
Sheraton San Diego
2008, Spirit Award
Recognized for outstanding performance in marketing.
2007, Employee of the Quarter
Recognized for excellent service and performance.
2006, Employee of the Quarter
Recognized for excellent service and performance.
Make-A-Wish America
2025 Gold Award, Anthem Awards
WishMakers Wanted Campaign
2025 In-House Excellence Award, ANA
WishMakers Wanted Campaign
University of San Diego
2019 Silver Award, CASE District VII
Gallery Exhibit Marketing Campaign
2018 Best of Show, Educational Advertising Awards
Wine Classic, Special Event
2018 Gold, Educational Advertising Awards
Leading Change, Fundraising Campaign
2018 Silver, Educational Advertising Awards
Diego’s Donors, Direct Mail
2018 Merit, Educational Advertising Awards
Founders Gala, Special Event
2018 Merit, Educational Advertising Awards
Torero Nation Billboard, Advertising
2018 Merit, Educational Advertising Awards
Torero Casino Night, Special Event
2018 Merit, Educational Advertising Awards
Torero Tuesday, Campaigns
2018 Gold Award, CASE District VII
Founders Gala
2018 Bronze Award, CASE District VII
10th Anniversary Wine Classic
2017 Service Award, Veteran Promotion Awards
Operation Hat Trick
American Specialty Health
2013 Silver Award, Healthcare Advertising Awards
Healthyroads Fitness Kit Design
2011 Silver Award, Healthcare Advertising Awards
Healthyroads Polar “Watch It” Challenge
2010 Award of Excellence, Communicator Awards
Healthyroads Worksite Health Challenges
2009 Gold Award, Health Care Communicators
Healthyroads Engage! Logo Design
2009 Gold Award, Health Care Communicators
Healthyroads Home Fitness Kits
2009 Gold Award, Health Care Communicators
Healthyroads Worksite Health Challenges
2009 Gold Award, Health Care Communicators
Healthyroads New Year’s Challenge
2008 Gold Award, Astrid Awards
Healthyroads “Fitness is Timeless” Brochure