CEO & FOUNDER | CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER DESIGN WOMB, SAN FRANCISCO CA

Nicole LaFave is the creative force behind Design Womb, a branding and packaging agency known for blending beauty with functionality to drive real-world success. Born and raised in Michigan, she spent formative years in Chicago before establishing herself in California, where she leads her agency today. With over 20 years of experience, Nicole has led award-winning design for CPG brands and products sold nationwide. Before launching her agency, she built a career spanning footwear and knitwear design, channeling her entrepreneurial spirit into co-founding the luxury footwear brand Omelle. As lead creative director, she shaped its identity, earning recognition in WWD, Footwear News, and Vogue. This hands-on experience in brand-building and product design laid the foundation for her expertise in crafting high-impact brands. Recognized as an industry leader, Nicole has contributed to design conversations, served as a juror for top creative competitions, and received accolades from GDUSA, The Dieline, Communication Arts, PRINT, and more. Design Womb is a full-service branding and packaging agency that transforms brands into industry standouts. Their award-winning work can be found on shelves at Whole Foods, Target, Erewhon, and Costco. The agency partners with both startups and established brands, specializing in food, beverage, personal care, cannabis, health, and hospitality. From strategic redesigns to full-scale brand launches, Design Womb delivers design that connects, converts, and fuels nationwide growth. Their work has been recognized by leading design publications, websites, and top industry awards, solidifying their reputation for innovative, results-driven design.   LOOKING FORWARD TO 2025, ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC ABOUT YOUR DESIGN PRACTICE/BUSINESS? ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC THAT GRAPHIC DESIGN IN GENERAL WILL CONTINUE TO BE RECOGNIZED AS BRINGING VALUE TO THE TABLE IN COMMERCE AND CULTURE? I’m optimistic about 2025 — it’s another opportunity to push creative boundaries, expand into new categories, and share more of our process. While Design Womb is known for our work primarily in food and CPG, we’re bringing our packaging design expertise to industries like personal care, health & skincare, where fresh thinking is needed. I believe graphic design remains a powerful force in commerce and culture, but originality and being mindful of how your design and communication choices impact results is key. With sustainability shaping packaging and brands demanding standout design, I see 2025 as a year to drive meaningful, lasting impact — creating work that’s not just beautiful, but also smarter and more sustainable. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING A CAREER IN GRAPHIC DESIGN? When I started my design career, I didn’t wait for the perfect opportunity — I just got to work. Growing up in the Midwest, I was scrappy and resourceful, taking any chance to learn. Today, it’s easy to curate a polished portfolio, but real experience is what sets you apart. Take internships, freelance, and say yes to projects that stretch you. My early gigs weren’t always glamorous, but each one built skills, connections, and momentum. Keep learning, stay open, and trust your own way of doing things. Over time, you’ll refine your craft and attract the work you want.