Nicole Lagomarsino
Nicole Lagomarsino holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Television Arts from California State University, Northridge. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she moved to Portland in 2015 and has called it home ever since, drawn to the city’s creativity, individuality, and connection to nature.
After choosing a path outside the traditional corporate world, Nicole found a home in the creative community at the Portland Flower Market, where she supports the Oregon Flower Growers Association. Her work in this environment has deepened her appreciation for creativity, community, and the ways artistic expression can bring people together.
In 2025, Nicole was accepted into the Northwest Expressive and Creative Arts Institute’s Expressive Arts Facilitation Certification Program. She is currently pursuing her certification, with an anticipated graduation in spring 2027, and is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where people can explore their creativity, express themselves freely, and connect with others through the arts.
Gradient: (noun) A gradient of colors is the gradual transition between two or more colors. It’s a beautiful blend from one hue to another.
Why “Gradient”?
I chose the name Gradient Studio for a few reasons.
When I created art during my intensive week in Seattle for my Expressive Arts Facilitation courses, there was one common thing throughout each of my pieces. They all had gradients. The feedback I received was that these art pieces looked cohesive, like a collection. Those words really meant a lot to me, because I wasn’t trying to create a collection on purpose, I have never created a body of work before, nor shown it to a group of people. I learned so much about my inner critic at that moment.
I believe transformation happens in gradients, not giant leaps. Like colors blending into one another, change is gradual. We don't jump from one version of ourselves to the next. We move through all the beautiful shades in between. Those in-between moments are where we learn, create, grow, and discover parts of ourselves we didn't know were there. And those moments are what I hope to capture and celebrate in my workshops, programs and experiences.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
I have grown and learned so much since beginning my Expressive Arts Facilitation education. I feel surrounded by so many people who have fostered my creativity, encouraged me to continue, and inspired me to be the best version of myself that I can be. Thank you.
Sibel Golden
Topaz Weis
Vidhu Singh
Cohort 9 NWEACI
To my Mom, Dad, my brother Jack, my Grandma- everything I do is to make you proud!
and all my family and friends who have supported my journey, thank you is not enough.