Morgan Harper Nichols
Interdisciplinary Media Artist
Email: morganharpernichols@gmail.com
Phone: 972-971-2463
Instagram: instagram.com/morganharpernichols
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/morganharpernichols/
Summary
Interdisciplinary media artist, writer, and graphic designer specializing in interactive art and media experiences and creator of the “Storyteller” app available on iPhone and Android. Currently pursuing a terminal degree in art, an MFA in Interdisciplinary Media Arts, with a focus on interactive narrative games, accessibility, and custom generative AI models. With a 10+ year background in art and design, I've recently been expanding my expertise to encompass evolving technologies like 3D software, AI model training, and game development. While my recent focus has been on specialized tech skills like AI, 3D environments, and gaming, this new emphasis serves to deepen the interdisciplinary nature of my existing expertise in digital media and communications.
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:
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
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
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
Independent Creative Media Professional, Atlanta, Ga.
Interdisciplinary Media Artist, January 2012 – Present
Utilizing elements of design, art, communication, and technology, I have worked with a diverse clientele, including Google, Meta, Apple, Adobe, Starbucks, KIND Snacks, COACH, and others, to execute intricate media art campaigns successfully. I employ skills in illustration, motion graphics, public art installation design, AR implementation, social media marketing, campaign management, public relations, and more for a wide range of campaigns.
Co-founded Garden24, an e-commerce platform where I handle web design, product design, and art direction. Concurrently co-founded the Storyteller subscription app, where I play a key role in UI/UX design and feature planning. I create illustrations, graphic design, and written content for the app and its marketing campaigns.
Fostering an engaged community of 1.9M followers on Instagram (@morganharpernichols), utilizing the platform as a virtual art presentation and an interface for immersive art experiences with an emphasis on analytics and algorithmic-informed interactions.
Published four books with HarperCollins Zondervan, including the Wall Street Journal bestseller 'All Along You Were Blooming.' In addition to writing the material, I was responsible for designing typography, cover art, interior art, and media assets and creating pitches for public relations initiatives.
Fulfilling the role of a public speaker for various campaigns, including those promoting my own work. Created image, copy, and video assets for promotional segments featured on platforms like 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
While my core competencies have been honed over more than a decade in design, digital art, and media, I am also rapidly accelerating my expertise in generative AI-related skills.
Software and Platform Proficiency:
Adobe Creative Suite
Twinmotion by Epic Games
Blender
Lumion
Logic Pro
Final Cut Pro
Twine
Tilt Brush (VR)
Spatial.io (VR)
Production and Artistry:
Digital Painting
Digital Illustration
Graphic and Typeface Design
Product Design
UI/UX Design
Branching Narrative Game Design
Motion Graphics and Animation
3D Art and Environments
Music Production and Songwriting
Videography and Editing
Podcast Recording and Producing
Communication and Digital Engagement:
Content Creation and Curation
Blogging and Article Writing
Public Speaking
Social Media Strategy and Management
Influencer Collaboration and Brand Partnerships
Copywriting and Editorial Management
Community Engagement and Moderation
Workshop and Seminar Facilitation
Audience Analysis and Targeting
Live Streaming and Webinar Hosting
Podcast Guest and Hosting
AI Operations:
Generative AI (Image and Video)
Visual Art Dataset Training
Text Dataset Training
Custom Deep Learning Model Deployment (Stable Diffusion)
CLI Scripting for Stable Diffusion Runs
File Management for Model Training (Batch, YAML, Python, JavaScript, Markdown)
Continuous Skill Adaptation in AI Technologies
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)
AIGA Student Member
College Art Association Member (CAA)
Nominations and Awards, Recognitions
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
Interview: Kelly Clarkson Show, 2021
Author: Bronze Award for All Along You Were Blooming (HarperCollins Zondervan), 100,000 Copies Sold, 2020
Select Presentations and Speaking Engagements:
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