artoberVA Billboard Designer Spotlight: Christina Nicole Designs

For the 10th annual artoberVA billboard, the Richmond skyline will play host to more than just light and color: it will carry the bold visual voice of Christina Nicole Designs, an artist and creative studio whose work thrives at the intersection of geometric abstraction and narrative energy. With this marquee commission, her design takes center stage, inviting viewers to pause mid-drive and absorb a moment of visual poetry woven into the urban fabric.

At Christina Nicole Designs, form is never arbitrary. Each line, shape, and hue is chosen in service of storytelling — whether grounded in memory, place, or emotion. Her portfolio reveals a practice that is at once meticulous and experimental, balancing crisp structure with luminous surprise. This billboard, then, is not just advertising or spectacle — it’s a public gesture, a large-scale argument for why art matters in the everyday.

We chatted with Christina to learn more about her design process and celebrate the amazing art she created for artoberVA!

CultureWorks: What was your first reaction when you were invited to create the billboard for artoberVA?

Christina: My first reaction was pure excitement! I was thrilled for the opportunity to work with CultureWorks again and honored to be selected to help push the cause forward.

CultureWorks: How would you describe your artistic style in just a few words?

Christina: My artistic style is vibrant and bold. See examples of my work below.

CultureWorks: Can you walk us through your creative process—how did the concept for this design come to life?

Christina: For this design, I spent time thinking about how the energy of artoberVA could be translated into billboard form. I wanted the piece to capture both the milestone of celebrating 10 years and the vibrant creative spirit artoberVA brings. By using a dynamic image along with bold colors and strong design elements, the billboard became a reflection of that energy and celebration.

CultureWorks: What excites you most about being part of artoberVA’s 10th anniversary?

Christina: A milestone like this is so important! I’m grateful to be part of celebrating 10 years of the amazing work that artoberVA has been leading in the community.

CultureWorks: Why do you think initiatives like artoberVA are important for artists and audiences alike?

Christina: Initiatives like artoberVA shine a bright light on artists and organizations. They serve as a reminder and a celebration of why it’s so important to support the arts. For audiences, it creates a space to connect, engage, and celebrate artists in meaningful ways.

CultureWorks: As an artist, how has Richmond influenced your style or your journey?

Christina: I studied art and design at VCUarts, and being a Richmonder has given me a strong sense of artistic culture and community. That’s what continues to influence my work today. The arts and the Richmond community go hand in hand, and I naturally carry those values—community, support, and innovation—into everything I create.

CultureWorks: What’s next for you after this project—any upcoming work you’re excited about?

Christina: Yes! I have several projects ahead, and I’m especially excited about partnering with incredible organizations and non-profits like The Well Collective, UnlockingRVA, and For The Fem In You. I deeply believe in their missions, and I look forward to supporting them by creating visuals that match their energy, resources, and community-focused initiatives.

Check out more of Christina’s work here!