NICK PORTER
PURPOSE-DRIVEN PRINT + DIGITAL DESIGN
Each project featured on this website represents work I’ve designed from concept to completion.
Explore the tabs below to learn more about me and my experience as a designer and design leader.
With nearly 20 years of experience in design and design leadership, I specialize in creating engaging print and digital collateral for organizations that educate and inspire individuals to make positive changes in their own lives and in the lives of others.
I hold a master’s degree in Leadership Studies with a concentration in Design Leadership from USD, as well as undergraduate certificates in Graphic Design from UCSD and Web Design from Mesa College. My professional involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors for AIGA San Diego and acting as a Design Judge for the CASE Awards.
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). I chose this program because, although I was a successful graphic designer at the time, I realized that creative success didn’t always translate into success as a creative leader; I lacked some of the skills necessary to lead effectively. During my time at USD, I focused on exploring the leadership styles and organizational components commonly found in successful design leaders and 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.
2025, Quarterly All-Star Employee Award, Make-A-Wish
Recognized by CEO for excellence in role execution and consistently delivering high-quality work.
2024, Brand Award, Canva Enterprise Launch, Make-A-Wish
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, Make-A-Wish
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, Make-A-Wish
Recognized for promoting healthy habits and encouraging colleagues to prioritize wellness.
2023, Quarterly All-Star Employee Award, Make-A-Wish
Recognized by CEO for excellence in role execution and consistently delivering high-quality work.
2021, Brand Award, Creative Excellence, Make-A-Wish
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.
2014, Teamwork Award, American Specialty Health
Recognized for collaborating with internal stakeholders to design materials and communications supporting the relocation of more than 700 employees.
2013, Innovation Award, American Specialty Health
Recognized for leading a manual digitization initiative that generated approximately $1.7 million in annual print savings.
2010, Service Award, American Specialty Health
Recognized for providing excellent customer service to internal stakeholders.
2010, President’s Award, American Specialty Health
Recognized for design and content contributions to a 1,200+ piece promotional wellness catalog.
2008, Spirit Award, Sheraton San Diego
Recognized for outstanding performance in marketing.
2006–2007, Employee of the Quarter, Sheraton San Diego
Recognized twice for excellent service and performance.
2025 Gold Award, Anthem Awards
Make-A-Wish, WishMakers Wanted Campaign
2025 In-House Excellence Award, ANA
Make-A-Wish, WishMakers Wanted Campaign
2019 Silver Award, CASE District VII
USD, Gallery Exhibit Marketing Campaign
2018 Best of Show, Educational Advertising Awards
USD, Wine Classic, Special Event
2018 Gold, Educational Advertising Awards
USD, Leading Change, Fundraising Campaign
2018 Silver, Educational Advertising Awards
USD, Diego’s Donors, Direct Mail
2018 Merit, Educational Advertising Awards
USD, Founders Gala, Special Event
2018 Merit, Educational Advertising Awards
USD, Torero Nation Billboard, Advertising
2018 Merit, Educational Advertising Awards
USD, Torero Casino Night, Special Event
2018 Merit, Educational Advertising Awards
USD, Torero Tuesday, Campaigns
2018 Gold Award, CASE District VII
USD, Founders Gala
2018 Bronze Award, CASE District VII
USD, 10th Anniversary Wine Classic
2017 Service Award, Veteran Promotion Awards
USD, Operation Hat Trick
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”
“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.
“Nick was such a great person to work with on projects. He always brought a unique and creative view. When I think of the work Nick created, vibrant, unconventional, and amazing are just a few words that come to mind. The finished product always impressed me and exceeded my expectations.” — Mary V.
“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 us know that our work and ideas were valued.” — Erin S.
“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, friend, and colleague, always with a smile on his face. He will continue to be a true asset in every path he takes.” — Marlis R.
“Nick’s positive and efficient work ethic made him a great asset to the organization and to our 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.
“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.
“I have had the good fortune of working in the graphics industry for over 30 years, and I can honestly say that Nick Porter 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.
“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.
“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.