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Morgan Harper Nichols
Creative Media Specialist
Email: morganharpernichols@gmail.com
Instagram: instagram.com/morganharpernichols
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/morganharpernichols/
Summary
As a creative media specialist and interdisciplinary artist, my specialty lies in leveraging digital humanities and interactive media to facilitate impactful communication and community engagement. Currently pursuing an MFA in Interdisciplinary Media Arts, my academic work is rooted in investigating the role of narrative in highlighting diverse experiences, particularly influenced by my own story as a Black, autistic, and neurodivergent woman. My portfolio includes peer-reviewed publications, books of art and poetry published by HarperCollins, and public speaking engagements at a range of events, such as the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day and Black Authors at Essence Fest. At the core of my work is a commitment to deepening our collective understanding of effective communication through interactive forms of media. I serve as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the mental health organization TWLOHA and care deeply about causes related to addressing disparities and inequities through creative writing and innovative forms of communication.Education
Point University, East Point, Ga.
Graduated - May 2010
Bachelor of Science - English
Lindenwood University, St. Charles, Mo.
Expected Graduation - Summer 2024
Master of Fine Arts - Interdisciplinary Media Arts
Thesis Project (In Progress): Hyperpaths: Exploring Versatility in Hypertext Experiences for Digital Well-Being
Published Articles:
Harper-Nichols, M. (2023) "Breaking Me Down and Lifting Me Up: An Autoethnography of Being a Black Autistic Woman Online," Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture: Vol. 4: Iss. 2, Article 8.
DOI: 10.9707/2833-1508.1126
Hutson, J., & Harper-Nichols, M. (2023). "Generative AI and Algorithmic Art: Disrupting the Framing of Meaning and Rethinking the Subject-Object Dilemma." Global Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 55–61. https://doi.org/10.34257/gjcstdvol23is1pg55
Published Artwork:
Harper-Nichols, M. (2023) "Behind The Scenes of Telling Your Story Online," Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture: Vol. 4: Iss. 2, Article 9.
DOI: 10.9707/2833-1508.1131
Professional Experience and Collaborations
Independent Creative Media Professional, Atlanta, Ga.
Interdisciplinary Media Artist, January 2012 – Present
Drawing on my expertise in writing, communication, and interactive media, I've successfully collaborated with industry leaders like Google, Meta, Apple, Adobe, Starbucks, KIND Snacks, and COACH. My role in these partnerships centers around crafting compelling narratives, strategic content creation, effective audience engagement, and holistic communications management to drive successful campaigns.
Co-founded Garden24 and the Storyteller app, where I oversee design, feature development, and communication strategy. My role involves creating written and visual content, as well as orchestrating marketing and public relations initiatives to engage our audience effectively.
Leading a community of 1.9 million followers on Instagram, I use simple but effective methods to share content that encourages meaningful conversations and interactions. My approach combines creativity and a basic understanding of how to get the most out of social media platforms, ensuring a wide reach and strong community engagement.
Authored four books, including a Wall Street Journal bestseller. In addition to writing the material, I was also involved in shaping the book's overall presentation and promotion, crafting pitches for public relations initiatives to broaden the reach and impact of the work.
Acted as a public speaker for diverse campaigns, including those featuring my own work. In addition to writing the material, I was integral in communications planning and public relations, gaining exposure on platforms such as Good Morning America and the TODAY Show.
Lindenwood University
Virtual Teaching Assistant, August 2023—Present
Contributing virtually to the academic community, I assist in various educational initiatives, support students in their learning journey, aid the professor in creating course modules using platforms like Canvas, and have conducted my own featured artist assignment and discussions in the context of the 'Intro to Art and Design' course.
Point University, East Point, Ga.
Admission Counselor, June 2010––January 2012
Recruited and guided prospective students through the application process and provided personalized support and guidance throughout the process.
Implemented social media strategies for admission counselors to engage with students across emerging digital platforms.
Skills
Communication and Writing:
Creative Writing
Persuasive Writing
Autoethnographic Writing
Cross-disciplinary Communication
Multimedia Storytelling
Blogging and Article Writing
Public Speaking
Copywriting and Editorial Management
Content Creation and Curation
Academic and Pedagogical Skills:
Qualitative Data Analysis
Literature Review and Synthesis
Canvas Course Module Creation
(Written and Video)
Lesson Planning and Design
Workshop and Seminar Facilitation
(Virtual and In-Person)
Accessibility Standards in Digital Communication
Digital Strategy and Engagement:
Social Media Strategy and Management
Community Engagement and Moderation
Influencer Collaboration and Brand Partnerships
Audience Analysis and Targeting
Live Streaming and Webinar Hosting
Podcast Guest and Hosting
Leadership and Strategy:
Team Leadership and Development
Diversity and Inclusion
Communications Strategy
Key Skill Categories:
Multimedia Design: Includes skills in Adobe Creative Suite, UI/UX, and 3D Art.
Content Production: Encompasses music, video, and podcast creation.
Interactive Media & AI: Covers game design and artist-trained generative AI.
Books:
Harper-Nichols, M. (2023). "You are only just beginning: Lessons for the journey ahead." HarperCollins, Zondervan.
Harper-Nichols, M. (2022). "Peace is a practice: An invitation to breathe deep and find a new rhythm for life." HarperCollins, Zondervan.
Harper-Nichols, M. (2021). "How far you have come: Musings on beauty and courage." HarperCollins, Zondervan.
Harper-Nichols, M., & Stabile, S. (Eds.). (2021). "Forty days on being a five." InterVarsity Press.
Harper-Nichols, M. (2020). "All along you were blooming: Thoughts for boundless living." HarperCollins, Zondervan.
Professional Organizations & Affiliations
Vice President of the Board of Directors of TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms)
Alpha Chi Honor Society
AIGA Student Member
College Art Association Member (CAA)
Nominations and Awards, Recognitions, Honors
Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, 2023
Finalist: Shorty Award Nominee for Instructional Video, 2023
Award: Louie Writer of the Year Award, 2022
Art Collection Acquisition: The Hamilton Princess, Bermuda, 2022
Finalist: Webby Award Nominee for Health & Wellness Podcasts, 2022
Author: Bronze Award for All Along You Were Blooming (HarperCollins Zondervan), 100,000 Copies Sold, 2020
Select Presentations and Speaking Engagements:
Speaker: Black Authors at Essence Fest, 2023
Presenter: St. Louis Digital Humanities Showcase, 2023
Workshop Presenter: Wellesley College 2023
Keynote Speaker: The Makers Summit, 2023
Keynote Speaker: United Nations World Autism Awareness Day (Artist Section Keynote), 2023
Speaker: Point University, 2023
Speaker: Berry College, 2022
Keynote Speaker: Kernference Design Conference by GoodType, 2022
Guest Curator: Meta's Instagram Design, 2021
Speaker: Black Girls Rock! Conference, 2021
Presenter: 12th Annual Salute Her Awards, 2021
Presenter: Alliance for Eating Disorders Dare to Love Summit, 2021
Select Press:
Forbes, 2023
Essence, 2023
We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle, 2023
FOX 5 Atlanta, 2023
TODAY Show, 2022
Good Morning America with Robin Roberts, 2022
Google Talks, 2022
Kelly Clarkson Show, 2021