Nickolay Martinez Download CV

MY STORY

My path to design wasn’t a straight line, it was an iterative process.

I actually began my academic career in Biomedical Engineering, driven by an early interest in medicine. It was there that I first learned how to write code and think in complex, logical systems. But as the semesters went on, I realized something was missing: the creative visual expression I had always admired in graphic design, and the immersive mechanics of the video games I grew up playing.

When I discovered Interaction Design, it was a lightbulb moment. It was the exact intersection of art and logic I had been looking for a discipline where I could code the structure and design the soul of a digital experience. I took the leap, changed my trajectory, and finally found my place.

I don't just design for the ideal scenario; I design for the build.

My secret sauce is simple: I speak both languages. While purely visual designers sometimes create beautiful concepts that hit a wall during development, my background in Front-End Development grounds my creativity in reality.

Having a technical baseline in tools like React, Node.js, and Unity allows me to instantly evaluate the feasibility of a feature and set realistic timelines. I don't just advocate for the user persona; I translate their needs into consistent, actionable functional and non-functional requirements, ensuring a seamless handoff to engineering.

The Gamer's Mindset: Strategy, Patience, and Pressure.

Outside the code editor and Figma files, my professional mindset is heavily shaped by the games that brought me to this industry. I am a massive fan of Souls-like games (Dark Souls 3, Elden Ring, Sekiro), which have hardwired me to tackle difficult objectives strategically, persevere through roadblocks, and celebrate the small milestones along the way.

Open-world games like Skyrim and Crimson Desert taught me the value of world-building and narrative depth. (And yes, I am the player who completes every single side quest before touching the main storyline, a habit that translates perfectly to my obsession with solving edge cases before launch).

Finally, high-speed hero shooters like Overwatch and Marvel Rivals have trained me to thrive under pressure, adapt quickly to changing scenarios, and find the best possible solutions when the clock is ticking.

"I treat design like an open-world game: explore every edge case before completing the main quest."

LET'S BUILD

I am a pragmatic problem solver and a passionate visual storyteller. I am currently looking for full-time opportunities where I can bring this blend of technical realism, empathetic design, and strategic adaptability to a forward-thinking team.

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