Nikki Bowles
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Lifelong multi-media artist indigenous to northeastern Mexico and what is now considered the southwestern portion of Texas. My visual art has always been rooted in the history of my people and relatives. Throughout the years art has guided my understanding of place and time. Whether I've been working with refugees along the border, pouring myself into indigenous sovereignty efforts, or building a life of stewarding land and caring for animal relatives - art and the ancient practice of storytelling have always woven it all together. Through visual and communicative expression - our world is illuminated by knowledge.
Looking to continue my work as a land steward and wildlife activist in a space where my skillset can be put to its fullest potential.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder/Owner
Rayados del Norte
San Antonio, TX
02.2021 - Current
- Acquired land parcels to establish conservation sanctuaries for endangered species. throughout Aridoamerica with the goal to create sanctuaries for endangered plant life and same havens for animals in need of habitat.
- Researched and wrote about land exploitation and population displacement, highlighting socio-economic impacts on affected communities.
- Managed online sales operations for e-commerce store, enhancing customer experience and increasing product visibility.
- Hosted and coordinated events, workshops, and community gatherings.
- Crafted jewelry and medicine items using traditional making practices.
- Created photography and design content for visual communication needs.
- Handled client communication and relationship support.
- Supported educational programming on diaspora history, unrecognized Indigenous peoples of Aridoamerica, and related cultural context.
Visual storyteller - Traditional/Cultural Tattooist
Itzpoktli Tatu
San Antonio, TX
09.2019 - Current
- Created tattoo designs inspired by clients' heritage and ancestry.
- Researched world regions and visual traditions to enhance culturally relevant design choices.
- Built strong, sincere client relationships through respectful communication.
- Balanced machine-less tattoo work, client conversation, and emotional support to create a positive tattoo experience.
- Guided clients through custom booking forms and intake steps.
- Arrived punctually and maintained calm, supportive tattoo sessions.
- Managed deposits and income across separate accounts.
- Organized appointment schedules using various digital platforms to ensure efficient client management.
- Used Procreate, photography, videography, Squarespace, Jotform, social media, email, and Adobe Suite
- Showcased portfolio work on @itzpoktli.tatu Instagram to attract and engage potential clients.
Events, Marketing & Design
Thai Topaz
San Antonio, TX
08.2018 - 11.2024
- Supported client communication and relationship management.
- Kept event meeting notes, client records, and files updated and organized.
- Coordinated events with staff and vendors.
- Captured photography and videography for events and marketing use.
- Created content for marketing and communication needs.
- Managed social media updates and routine posting.
- Updated website content, maintained menu graphics, and supported newsletter automation.
- Designed menu graphics and web visuals to enhance brand identity.
- Active Campaign newsletter writing, automation, upkeep
Head of Marketing and Design
Las Palomas Restaurant
Austin, TX
10.2017 - 07.2018
- Designed mobile-friendly website in WordPress.
- Updated company logo and brand look.
- Photographed raw menu items to align website and social media visuals.
- Photographed events and catering functions.
- Edited photography in Photoshop and Lightroom.
- Managed social media accounts.
- Built monthly newsletter process in Mailchimp.
- Connected commerce platform to website.
- Created flyers, menus, and other graphics in Photoshop and Illustrator.
- Developed Saturday brunch specials.
- Supported client relations and event booking.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Mexican American Studies
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TXBachelor of Arts - English and Fine Arts minor
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TXWeb Design - HTML5, CSS, Responsive Design
General Assembly
Austin, TX05-2017
Skills
- E-commerce
- Event coordination
- Client relations
- Brand strategy
- Visual branding
- Content strategy
- Content creation
- Social media management
- Social marketing
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Canva
- Photography
- Videography
- Video production
- Website management
- SEO
- Graphic design
- Editing
- Writing
- Copywriting
- Public relations
- Market analysis
- Attention to detail
- Microsoft Office
- Editing
- Content creation
Personal Information
- Title: Indigenous Artist and Lead Communicator
- Driving License: Driver's License
- Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
- Visa Status: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Certification
Driver's License
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Founder/Owner
Rayados del Norte
02.2021 - Current
Visual storyteller - Traditional/Cultural Tattooist
Itzpoktli Tatu
09.2019 - Current
Events, Marketing & Design
Thai Topaz
08.2018 - 11.2024
Head of Marketing and Design
Las Palomas Restaurant
10.2017 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Mexican American Studies
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Bachelor of Arts - English and Fine Arts minor
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Web Design - HTML5, CSS, Responsive Design
General Assembly