Creative thinker. Diplomat. Persuasive presenter. Enthusiastic collaborator. Mentor. Pug Lover. Volunteer.
I am Nicole Trudeau, and I founded Squid Ink Design in 2013. My goal in every project, be it print, environmental or otherwise, is to use design philosophies to create approachable, accessible, intuitive and meaningful experiences that excite and educate. Over my 20+year design career, I have pursued various design disciplines: graphic, interior, industrial, environmental, retail, web and advertising. This multi-disciplinary background has prepared me well for the complicated and layered world of exhibit design. I have worked with numerous organizations to create distinct exhibits, graphics and identities. See my client list here.
Exhibit and graphic design continue to be my focus. Most of my experience in this arena was gained while I was Senior Designer at the venerable J. Paul Getty Museum. Over 13 years there, I helped to realize over 75 exhibitions and associated promotional materials for both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa. I'm proud to say I still work with the Getty as a contractor.
On top of it all, I'm teaching design at USC. I am an adjunct professor in the Media Arts + Practice (MA+P) department within the School of Cinematic Arts, teaching Fundamentals of Media Design to underclassmen. It is the perfect blend of my multidisciplinary experience and my love of movies! Additionally, I have volunteered my time at various schools around Los Angeles (Art Center College of Design, Woodbury University, UCLA Extension), offering a real-world perspective to design students in critiques and portfolio reviews. I am a member of the Los Angeles chapter of AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts), as well as SEGD (Society of Environmental Graphic Designers) and WMA (Western Museums Association).
Why squids, you ask?
My love of cephalopods (squid, octopuses and cuttlefish) is evident in everything I do! I started studying Marine Biology at a very young age - I blame Jacques Cousteau’s Undersea World - and have been an ocean junkie ever since. When asked by a stranger what I wanted to be when I grew up, I replied “a squid.” I finally put my obsession into action and have been volunteering as an Education Interpreter at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
When you can't find me in my home office in beautiful Sierra Madre, you will see me out walking my beloved pug, Pugly.