Product Designer + Photographer + Teacher

My name is Slater, and I’m inspired to solve problems in creative and delightful ways; to be an advocate for the user experience.

I'm the child of a motorcycle builder and businesswoman; both are entrepreneurs — one creative with his hands, the other creative with her words. Being raised in a household with vivid creativity grounded in logic uniquely positions my outlook on the world. My mom taught me to see the big picture and not overlook minor details, while my dad taught me how shapes and colors influence how people visualize and interact with their environment. As such, I have one foot in the analytical and visual sides of the UI/UX world.

At the age of 12, my dad equipped me with a 35mm Pentax camera, and I haven't put it down. I fell in love with telling psychological stories via my camera, leading to a passion for UI/UX design. Taking pictures became how I converse with my community. I've studied photography and design for 15 years, gained a Master of Fine Arts, and started my own business. Since undergrad, I have learned the psychology of color and how the brain processes the world. I have works of art in the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and shown in galleries nationwide.

Being a full-time professional photographer is fantastic, but I often felt I wasn't contributing more significantly to the world. I wanted to make a lasting impression on my community. UI/UX design began calling my name when watching my disabled mother struggle with apps or sites made without her in mind. In my spare time, I devised solutions to help people like my mother, which quickly became my passion and profession.

Roles /

2022-Present
Sr. Principle Design Lead | Nutrien Ag Solutions

2020-2022
UX Manager | Nutrien Ag Solutions

2018-2020
Sr. UI/UX Designer Lead | Nutrien Ag Solutions

2013-2018
UI & Print Designer | Society of Exploration Geophysicists

2011-2013
Graduate Assistant | University of Tulsa

2008-2011
Designer | Dayspring, a division of Hallmark

2008-Present
Creative Director | Natalie Slater Design, LLC

ACCOMPLISHMENTS /

• Championed a successful UX architecture, UI update, and restructure launched in February 2023, leading the initiative from its grassroots inception and persuading leadership of its necessity over a year-long process.

• Effectively liaised with and updated vital stakeholders, including C-suite executives, by presenting design approaches and negotiating appropriate timelines while articulating the rationale behind the design decisions.

• Effectively liaised with and updated key stakeholders, including C-suite executives, by presenting design approaches and negotiating appropriate timelines while clearly articulating the rationale behind the design decisions.

• Designed and implemented a comprehensive design system from concept to execution, including a strong proof of concept, and successfully advocated for dedicated team allocation and financial investment by effectively communicating its value proposition to leadership, resulting in a 78% adoption rate of the new design system by designers and engineers.

VOLUNTEER/

UX Iterate Mentor
United Way
Tyler Therapy Dogs Association
Code for Boulder

Education /

Master of Fine Arts,
Printmaking & Photography
University of Tulsa, 2011-2013

Bachelor of Science,
Graphic Design & Photography
John Brown University, 2004-2008