Meet Nikelle Orellana-Reyes | Graphic Designer, Art Director & Former owner of Wylde

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikelle Orellana-Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikelle, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first started my professional graphic design career after graduate school I was so eager to work. I was living in NYC working at an advertising agency and would stay in the office until 10 pm or later trying to finish everything. The work was fun but it was also exhausting. I did that for 5 years bouncing from different agencies and companies until I was so burned out I couldn’t even think straight anymore. The big city work ethic was too fast-paced for my work style so I moved back to Raleigh. Since then I’ve realized how essential a work-life balance is to me and my creative process. I don’t think a creative idea has ever come to me while sitting in front of my computer. My best ideas almost always come from stepping away, going for a walk, or watching my daughter play. When my mind is at rest, I have the space to let it wander, make new connections, and visualize new thoughts.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My career has been marked with twists, turns, and side trips, leading to a unique set of skills. I consider myself a graphic designer and art director but have also been a small business owner, landlord, floral designer, customer service specialist, CFO, and more. I have owned three businesses, been an employee at six different companies, and helped brand countless others. I’ve jammed decades of experience into a few years. I consider all of these journeys as data points that have helped me refine who I am as a creative and how I want to spend my time as a person. Knowing the kinds of projects that excite me and what projects would be better for other creatives, has been invaluable to my creativity. I know how much time I want to invest in my career and the energy it takes to recharge after intense projects. It’s so important to understand how different kinds of businesses work and how to collaborate with multiple teams when you work with clients for a living.

I consider myself fairly risk-averse but looking back on my professional life—I’ve taken quite a few risks to get me here today. I’ve tried to follow where my creativity wants to take me. In the past, that meant leaving my graphic design career to start a floral business, only to return to design renewed and re-energized. Switching things up keeps me feeling challenged and content with my career. I’m not sure where I would be if I had stayed longer in one of the corporate graphic design jobs I’ve had but I’m really happy where I’ve landed. I work on projects I’m excited about, I live in a city I love and have the flexibility to take on projects that mean the most to me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Since we have a four-year-old at home and most of our friends and family also have little ones—we’d probably hit up some kid-friendly places. For food, we’d go The Standard of East Cut where the kids can run around safely. Or we could grab some breakfast at Jubabala and picnic at the NC State Belltower (my alma mater). Hiking at Yates Mill Pond and then heading over to Howling Cow Creamery is a favorite activity of ours. Walking around the NCMA sculpture park and then heading to Two Roosters Ice Cream is also a fun treat. We are very motivated by ice cream in our household.

We love going to Feature Flora on weekends to drink tea, and Deana, the shop owner brings out markers and glue sticks for Kirin to make stuff with. It’s her favorite store in Raleigh (ours too). Videri Chocolate Factory and Boulted Bread are also on our lists of spots to share with visitors.

When my in-laws come to town we always take them to the state farmers market and to a small Asian Market off Capital Boulevard that has great Filipino food and treats like casava cake and Halo Halo. Kirin loves to peruse the candy section.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I find so much inspiration in the people around me and the creativity that drives them. When I first moved back to Raleigh, Joshua Gojownik introduced me to all the creative people in the city and helped my husband and I feel connected to our new home. I owe so much to him and our fellow creative friends, Taylor Medlin, Claire Craven, Paul Tuorto, Tim Reavis, Mary Ann Bitter, Nick Neptune, Katelyn Taylor, Sarah Faucette, Tyler Northrup and all the rest of the former Assembly Raleigh crew. My former Wylde business partner, Hannah Ross Clarke was essential to my creative and mental health. And of course, I find so much inspiration in my husband, Gino Reyes whom I met at an agency in NYC—who stayed in the office with me until ungodly hours motivating me to finish one last design. Last but not least is my daughter Kirin—she’s the most creative soul I have ever met.

Website: www.nikelleorellana-reyes.com

Image Credits
Bio photo courtesy of Tyler Northrup. Mural Photo courtesy of Kane Realty