Hi, I'm Nicki...
and I'm an octopus.
It might sound like a strange way to introduce myself, but it's probably the best way to describe how I work.
Like an octopus, I use different strengths in different situations. Whether I'm teaching art, helping an overwhelmed student, facilitating a team workshop or guiding someone through a complex challenge, my approach is always shaped by insight, curiosity, inclusion and connection.
These aren't separate parts of what I do: they're woven into every conversation, every workshop and every visual I create.
With over 30 years' experience in education and design, I've learned that when people can see differently, they can think differently, learn differently and solve problems more effectively.
That's why I use visual thinking to make the invisible visible: helping people move from stress to structure, from confusion to clarity, and from ideas to action.
How we think, shapes how we live and learn.
But this isn’t just professional, it’s personal.
As an introvert, who struggled at school, I often felt overwhelmed and unseen.
Visual thinking helped me process my world, understand myself and find confidence.
What began as a way to survive... became my way to thrive.
That’s what I help others do today.
Visual thinking isn’t just creative, it’s transformational.
I never set out to create a visual wellbeing framework.
But looking back, every sketchbook, sticky note and whiteboard helped me process challenges I couldn’t always put into words.
It became my way of thinking, reflecting and finding clarity.
Now, I use it to help others navigate their own overwhelm and unlock ideas that matter.
Over time, I realised something important…
Visual thinking wasn’t just helping me communicate ideas.
It was helping people:
slow down
process complexity
feel heard
organise emotions
reconnect ideas
regain confidence
Whether in classrooms, workshops, leadership conversations or moments of overwhelm, the same thing kept happening:
When thinking became visible,
people could move forward again.
Here’s how it all came together…
DESIGNER
A Foundation in Visual Communication
My journey began in Graphic Design, where I learned how visuals can turn complex ideas into clarity and evoke emotion in ways words often can’t.
This experience taught me how imagery shapes how we think, feel and connect, a theme that’s guided me ever since.
EDUCATOR
Transitioning to Education
Driven to share this visual language, I became an Art Educator and over 30 years, I taught, mentored, led, facilitated and designed courses across the globe.
Through it all, I saw how creative approaches could build confidence, resilience and wellbeing, not just in students, but in the teachers and teams around them.
FACILITATOR
Founding NiH Consultancy
During my Master's research, everything clicked: visual thinking wasn’t just helpful, it was transformational.
I launched NiH Consultancy to bring this power to schools, teams, and individuals navigating stress, complexity, and change.
Now, I help others move from overwhelm to clarity and from cluttered thinking to confident action.
I am a qualified Art & Design teacher with GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB experience, currently teaching online.
View some of my students’ work in my teaching portfolio here:
Teaching portfolio
Ways I support people
Leaders
When leadership thinking stays invisible, overwhelm often grows.
I help leaders externalise ideas, process complexity and create space for clearer decisions, stronger communication and more intentional action.
Teams
Teams work best when people feel heard, included and connected.
Using visual facilitation and creative thinking approaches, I help teams reduce overwhelm, unlock participation and bring greater clarity and momentum to meetings, projects and planning.
Educators & Schools
Learning becomes more powerful when thinking is visible, engaging and inclusive.
I work with educators and schools to develop visual approaches that strengthen learning, support wellbeing and help students become more confident, reflective thinkers.
Students & Families
Academic pressure can affect confidence, wellbeing and family relationships.
I support students and families using visual learning and communication strategies that reduce overwhelm, build confidence and create calmer, more connected ways forward.
