When I see a really good piece of creative in the world, I always think about the individuals who tirelessly protected it in it's initial stages, huddled around it like rugby players, forcefully nudging out the obstacles, moving it through the production process until it was 'born' - this truly invigorates me… and I quietly high-five them in my mind.
Driven by curiosity, craft, and collaboration - Nicole McDonald loves shaping stories that invite people to feel and engage.
Nicole McDonald is an award-winning creative director and immersive storyteller with two decades of experience driving innovation at the intersection of narrative, technology, and design. With a deep background in games, interactive media, film, and advertising, she specializes in crafting emotionally resonant, future-forward experiences that invite audiences to actively engage. Nicole leads multidisciplinary teams across platforms—XR, digital, film, and experiential—bringing a sharp creative vision, a strategic mindset, and a proven ability to scale ideas for global audiences.
She began her career at the trailblazing Looking Glass Studios, where she worked as a game designer and 3D modeler. There, she discovered the potential of nonlinear storytelling and co-developed tools with NASA to translate satellite data into cinematic environments. That foundation—fusing narrative, systems thinking, and technical rigor—continues to shape her creative philosophy: storytelling must evolve with the medium and meet audiences where they are, emotionally and experientially.
Nicole has since led creative campaigns for some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Toyota, Disney, Microsoft, Toyota, and PlayStation. As a Creative Lead within top-tier agencies and directly with clients, she has delivered across the entire production pipeline—from concept development and narrative design to execution in film, print, digital, and emerging tech. She’s known for fostering high-performing teams, aligning creative strategies with business goals, and navigating complex, multi-stakeholder projects with clarity, creative integrity and joy.
Her independent interactive and linear films have premiered at global festivals including the Venice Biennale D’Arte, Sundance, and March Du Film Cannes. Nicole was Disney StudioLAB’s first Artist in Residence, a fellow at ONX Studio and the Biennale College Cinema, and is an active voice in shaping the future of creative tech. She’s pioneered conversations around the role of AI in the animation pipeline and how to develop connective emotional stories that are impactful, in a time where we need it most at SXSW, Google Sandbox, and other major forums.
Nicole’s work has earned recognition from Cannes Lions, The One Show, Webbys, Clio Awards, and AICP. She brings a rare combination of narrative depth, design intelligence, and technical fluency to everything she does. Whether leading a global brand campaign or developing a new platform for immersive storytelling, Nicole is relentlessly focused on crafting experiences that resonate—and on building human stories that thrive..
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Cosm XLabs Grant Program, 2024
La Biennale Di Venezia, Fellow at Biennale College Cinema, 2023
New Inc Onx Studio, Fellow, 2021
Disney, Artist In Residence, 2019
Free the Work Innovation Ambassador, 2018-2024
Sundance New Frontier Lab, Fellow, 2016
Speaking Engagements: Google Sandbox, SXSW, Off Festival, Digital Design Days, Engadget Alternate Realities
FEATURES + AWARDS
VR Scout, UploadVR, Creativity Magazine, CA, Adweek, Shots, and Boards Creative. Recognized by the London International Film Festival, Cannes Lion, Mobius, One Show, AICP, Andy’s, Clio’s, Effie’s, Kelly’s, Future of Storytelling, OneShow, AICP, Andy’s, Clio’s, Effie’s, Kelly’s, FWA, and Webby’s.
I've been more than fortunate to work with an amazing group of people, who have enhanced my work and projects in immeasurable ways. You should check them all out and work and play and grow and laugh together (as they are all not only beyond talented, they are pure joy to work with).
KC AUSTIN is a ridiculously talented creative developer with a meticulous eye.
JASMINE ALBUQUERQUE is a seriously creative choreographer and dancer (she is one of the members of Wife, they are mind blowing).
ELIZABETA BETINSKI is an amazing writer, creator, and advocate for artists within the LA art scene. She runs BardoLA.
CANDICE BIRNS is THE hair stylist that you want to work with (never mind that you'll fall madly in love with her).
HEATHER CVAR is a highly talented make-up artist (and is totally in it to win it).
AMY JO DIAZ is a mulit-talented art director and artist (she makes things happen above and beyond).
ANITA FONTAINE is a delightful and masterful creative mind with crazy interactive chops.
RYAN HEFFINGTON is a force of nature in the dance community (he choreographed the very famous sia, chandelier video).
JESSICA HUNDLEY is an amazing creative force (a writer, a filmmaker, a doer).
NICOLAS JODOIN is a music producer and runs Valentine Recording Studios, he will make your projects sing and swoon.
STEVIE LAUX is an amazing creative mind (creative direction, art direction, editor, you name it).
JULIA MARKIEWICZ is a writer and ACD, she also is a dream collaborator.
DAVID MCFARLAND is an amazing Director of Photography whose knowledge is endless and willingness is humbling. A true painter of light.
ANDREW MCDONALD is a mastermind of creativity. He is not only an amazing artist, his storytelling ability fortifies everything he works on.