2D animator · Concept artist · Vancouver, BC
Nicole Gao
Illustration · Animation · Visual Development
Selected work
Animation reel
About
2D animator, storyboard artist, layout artist and game designer.
📍 Vancouver
As a 2D Artist, Animator, and Designer, I am passionate about bringing stories, characters, and imaginative worlds to life through visual storytelling.
With a background in 2D Animation and Digital Media, I work across illustration, character design, background art, and visual development. My approach combines artistic expression with thoughtful design, creating visuals that communicate ideas, establish atmosphere, and connect with audiences.
I enjoy exploring different styles, experimenting with visual techniques, and collaborating with creative teams to turn ideas into engaging visual experiences. My interests span animation, games, interactive media, and emerging creative technologies, with a particular love for expressive characters and compelling visual narratives.
Experience
- Product designer (part-time)HugSmart, Vancouver · Dec 2019 – present100+ toy concepts sold through PetSmart USA, Winners Canada, Sam’s Club China and local retailers, plus web banners, stickers and 2D animation for social media.
- Social media content creatorSelf-employed, Vancouver · Sep 2024 – present45,000+ followers across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Xiaohongshu, and an online shop that has sold 1,000+ copies of a self-published art book and goods.
- Graphic designerBC Children’s Hospital Digital Lab · May – Aug 2024Visual assets and AI-enhanced imagery for a child-focused product, refined through visual testing and stakeholder feedback.
- Motion graphic designer, UI/UX designerMetro Vancouver VR project · Jan – Apr 2024Led the VR experience from concept to delivery: user flows, interface design, motion graphics and live support at launch.
Education
- Master of Digital Media, Visual DevelopmentCentre for Digital Media · Sep 2023 – Feb 2025
- Bachelor of Media Arts, 2D AnimationEmily Carr University of Art + Design · Aug 2019 – May 2023
Tools
Toon Boom Harmony, Toon Boom Storyboard, Photoshop, After Effects, Maya, Unreal, Figma, Procreate, Clip Studio, Stable Diffusion
Contact
(778) 751-8294