Home - Nikki Harper - Web Design Professional

Web & Graphic Designer

Website Manager

Marketing & Communications Professional

Nikki Harper

Hi, I'm Nikki Harper. I'm passionate about web and graphic design, front end web development, and marketing & communications. I have more than 13 years of experience in local government and the travel/tourism industry.

Those closest to me would describe me as detail oriented, results driven, calm, and organized.

I grew up in Washington state. Go Cougs! There will always be a place in my heart for the Pacific Northwest, but I've called Colorado home for the past 14 years now. I'm passionate about all the hobbies that get me moving in the outdoors. I love to mountain bike, raft, trail run, stand up paddle board, camp, ski, and travel.

Check out my portfolio to see some examples of my web and graphic design work.

View Portfolio

What I Do

Marketing & Communications

My career in marketing started in 2010 with a summer internship in marketing and public relations with Seafair Summer Festival in Seattle. I completed my bachelor’s degree in marketing from Washington State University in December 2010 and shortly after moved to Colorado. I have more than 13 years of marketing and communications experience in local government and the travel/tourism industry.

Web & Graphic Design

I studied fundamental principles of graphic design and techniques for effective visual communication with extensive training in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I have experience utilizing creative design skills to produce digital graphics, logos, style guides, wireframes, and mockups for projects and clients. I have ten years of professional work experience producing and manipulating marketing collateral including digital graphics and ads, print ads, posters, brochures, maps, signs, and banners.

Website Management

I have eight years of experience managing content on websites and intranet sites using content management systems. This includes maintaining and updating web content in alignment with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and SEO best practices, preparing and optimizing graphics for the web using Adobe Creative Suite, evaluating and improving UX, and adhering to brand writing and style guides.

Front End Web Development

I completed my master’s degree in web design and online communication from the University of Florida in May 2022. I am knowledgeable of coding and web design best practices. I have three years of experience converting wireframes and mockups into websites using HTML, CSS, CSS preprocessors, front-end frameworks, mobile-first responsive design, and content management systems. I have significant experience managing websites with WordPress, including knowledge of PHP and database integration with MySQL.

Resume

Certificate

2024

W3C

Introduction to Web Accessibility

This online course/certificate covered what accessibility means; the business case for accessibility; web content accessibility guidelines; the principles of accessibility; basic web accessibility audits; approaches for planning and managing accessibility; and W3C resources for accessibility.

Education

2022

University of Florida

M.A. in Mass Communication

Specialization: Web Design & Online Communication

2010

Washington State University

B.A. in Business Administration

Major: Marketing
Minor: Communication

Experience

Jan 2019 - Present

Town of Frisco

Marketing & Communications Manager

Developed and executed strategic marketing plans for the Town of Frisco, its events and assets - Frisco Adventure Park, Frisco Bay Marina, Frisco Historic Park & Museum and Frisco Nordic Center

Created, audited, and updated web content and graphics on TownofFrisco.com, FriscoGov.com, and intranet using WordPress
Maintained and updated web content in alignment with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and SEO best practices
Managed website redesign project for TownofFrisco.com and coordinated with web development agency to improve user experience
Provided tutorials and training with content management system for approximately 20 staff members with website editing responsibilities
Wrote copy consistent with Frisco’s writing style guide (voice and tone)
Collaborated with photographers, videographers, graphic designers, web development agency, and print production on projects

Jan 2015 - Dec 2018

Town of Frisco

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Provided marketing and administrative support for the Town of Frisco, its events and assets

Created digital content and layouts for email newsletters in CreateSend
Maintained database of creative assets via digital asset management tools
Assisted with content creation and engagement on social media channels
Utilized graphic design skills and Adobe CC to produce and manipulate marketing collateral including digital graphics and ads, print ads, posters, brochures, maps, signs, and banners
Managed ad schedule and work flow - created artwork and met over 100 ad deadlines annually

Jan 2012 - Dec 2014

Town of Frisco

Marketing & Events Coordinator

Planned, promoted and executed Town of Frisco events

Hired, trained and provided leadership for 20-25 event staff members and one event lead annually
Managed special event permit process including coordinating monthly meeting, recording meeting minutes and communicating with affected Town departments and outside regulatory agencies

May 2011 - Dec 2011

FirstBank

Bank Teller

Maintained proper cash limits, cashed checks, accepted deposits, issued cashier's checks and money orders, transferred funds between accounts and maintained confidential information.

Jan 2011 - April 2011

Copper Mountain

Lift Operator & Ticket Checker

Ensured the proper and efficient loading and unloading of guests and provided ticket security by ensuring each guest had a valid ticket.

May 2010 - Aug 2010

Seafair

Public Relations/Marketing Intern

Managed different aspects of marketing and media relations - drafted press releases and e-newsletters, coordinated press conferences, assisted with social media, and wrote the script for the Seafair Torchlight parade.