Judy Nish
FOUNDER NISH INITIATIVE, LLC
OWNER ~ MANAGER
“I seek to work on projects that revitalize public spaces and enhance people's lives by providing communities with the tools that will engage, grow and inspire them. This is achieved through smart placemaking, reactivating urban areas, and launching adaptive reuse projects from interesting, time-worn structures and neighborhoods.
I am living my passion of being able to breathe life into the old and make it livable, lovable and vibrant again while bringing communities together and making them thrive. I can't think of anything better than that!”
Brief Bio:
Judy has worked in themed entertainment since 2003, leading design teams that create theme parks, museums and guest experiences around the world. In the process of refining her leadership skills she grew tremendously in the ability to see not only the big picture, but also to organize and oversee the myriad minute details. She does this by utilizing her in-depth perception of both the technical and creative processes, adding her comprehension for effective design and combining it with an understanding of guest experience.
Since her start in themed entertainment, Judy has successfully managed and acted as a liaison between creative teams and clients on projects as varied as Presidential Museums, World Expo Pavilions, and privately-owned international visitor centers to the complexity of collaborating with foreign governments establishing guidelines for theme park development.
Offerings:
Leadership and project management, team building, leading collaboration efforts between clients and design teams and understanding the process, restrictions and technical aspects involved in designing public spaces. Member of ULI.
Portfolio:
Brian Smith
FOUNDER ROSE 13 CREATIVE, INC.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR ~ CONTENT DEVELOPMENT ~ SCRIPT WRITING ~ MEDIA PRODUCTION
“Creative direction is storytelling, and story is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it comes in the form of a film, a themed attraction, or a public space, a story well told has the ability to connect and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.
With every new project, we first find the story, creating a framework for all the vibrant, authentic details that truly bring a destination to life.”
Brief Bio:
Drawing upon a diverse background in the worlds of television, film and location-based attractions, Brian brings more than 30 years of storytelling experience to his work as a creative director and producer for theme parks, museums, visitor centers and other public spaces.
A recipient of multiple THEA awards and other industry honors, Brian has helped craft iconic guest experiences for clients and destinations around the world, including Stranger Things: The Drive-Into Experience for Netflix, The Power of Rock Experience at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Information & Communications Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo for BRC Imagination Arts, and multiple zones and attractions at Bollywood Parks Dubai, among many others.
In addition to location-based projects, Brian has written, produced or directed more than 20 feature films and 200-plus commercials and music videos. His roots as a storyteller serve as the creative basis for every project he undertakes.
Offerings:
Creative direction, concept development, script writing, film + video production, VR + interactive media direction
Portfolio:
Andrew Gartner
FOUNDER GARTNER DESIGN COMPANY
CREATIVE DIRECTOR ~ PRODUCER ~ PROJECT MANAGER
“Studying Architectural design at UC Berkeley and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, is what set my course in the design world and my desire to help people and communities to create places that are sustainable using best earth practices. Starting my career in designing sustainable communities, traveling the world to learn and design from different cultures, or working in the field of education and entertainment, are the experiences that has been the foundation for my career as a designer.
It is the creative force that has allowed me to work with clients to develop projects that create magical places and experiences that result in inspiring people to participate, learn from, and inspire their lives.”
Brief Bio:
Andrew Gartner’s training is in the field of Architecture. His impeccable sense of style has taken him into many different arenas. He has over 25 years of experience in producing, planning, curation, design, art direction and project management for commercial architectural interiors, museum exhibition design, art direction and set design for film and television, theme park design, and designs for events, expos and festivals.
He gained much of his experience by working in different architectural firms and with different companies specializing in themed entertainment projects. Whether the Director of Exhibits at the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico or working with Universal Studios on Islands of Adventure Theme Park, he demonstrates his ability to utilize his vast knowledge of materials and design skills to produce results that are exciting and evocative.
He has worked directly with clients to determine their objectives and develop a vision that will stand the test of time. His passion for all levels of his craft and attention to detail has made him an exceptional creative director and manager which filters into every project and affects all who work with him.
Offerings:
Creative direction and producing projects, planning and programming, concept design through final installation.
Portfolio:
ZOFIA KOSTYRKO
MULTI-FORM ARTIST ~ CONCEPT DESIGNER ~ MAKER
"Born in communist Warsaw, I grew up surrounded by the Polish avantgarde theatre and visual arts. It gave me a great classical art education, hunger for beauty and learning, inventiveness and rapid problem-solving skills. Moving solo to USA I graduated college and built a family and a career in themed entertainment at Disney Imagineering in LA. In 2000 I went independent to start giving back to my community and the world at large by creating and sharing beauty in all directions."
Brief Bio:
Zofia has 25+yrs experience conceptualizing, visualizing and art directing complex location-based projects with multi-disciplinary teams. She designed and built major theme parks from initial ideas thru ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Through her studio, deZign sKape LLC she works with community groups, non-profit and government organizations, and private and corporate clients on various installation and exhibit projects.
Her family travels often around the world in search of new skills and experiences. Her California meadow garden home/studio in LA is a creative Maker’s Nest magnet for her peers.
Offerings:
IDEATION: Concept development, Illustration (Photoshop/Illustrator); 3D modeling (Sketchup/Zbrush); Themed lighting design; Smart storytelling thru fusion of art, science, technology, culture, nature combined in unexpected ways.
Portfolio:
Terry Duffy
CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF GRAPHIC DESIGN & BRANDING
CURATOR ~ CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT ~ ARTIST
“My study of compatible health and design has allowed a weaving of design projects to come in that have to do with individual health to community health and the health of our planet. I am passionate about making healthy change on all these realms. I have loved collaborating with my clients to achieve success. After working on major events, it’s inspiring to watch them grow from an idea to a multimillion-dollar business.
To see a client grow and succeed is fantastic but to see a community prosper from this same success is exhilarating.”
Brief Bio:
Terry specializes in providing effective, bold visual design that awakens your soul and speaks to your head and heart. Her work is carefully researched and thought provoking, allowing each client’s ideas to speak in a quality and artistic manner. She has extensive experience in branding and corporate identity packages, promotional campaigns, book design, magazine design, museum exhibition, trade shows and environmental graphics.
Terry is a fine artist working in acrylic on canvas, mixed media, and photography. Combining this creativity with press expertise and a vast knowledge of color and paper sets her apart in the visual design industry. Her uncanny business acumen, keen insight into human nature and easy-going personality helps her clients achieve success while enjoying the process and the results.
Offerings:
Design and art direction for branding, curation, signage, fundraising collateral, web design, video and art installations.
Portfolio:
