Nakamura joined Clover Studio, likely starting in a junior artist or designer role. Clover Studio, known for titles like Viewtiful Joe and Okami, fostered a creative environment where Nakamura could hone her skills and contribute to visually distinct projects.

Although details about specific projects are missing, Nakamura likely worked on visual design, character design, and possibly environment art for various Clover Studio games. This period was crucial in developing her understanding of game development pipelines and her collaborative skills.

The closure of Clover Studio marked a significant turning point. Many Clover Studio employees, including Nakamura, transitioned to the newly formed PlatinumGames, continuing their work under a new banner.