King Lear

Creative Musing
March 2017

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King Lear
Simple lines to create this portrait of King Lear for a book jacket. The typeface used on this book jacket is ITC Franklin Gothic LT Pro designed by URW Type Foundry.

 

Nook Real Estate

Client Project
January 2017

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Nook Real Estate
Nook Real Estate, nestled in the heart of Newport Beach, California, epitomizes modernity in the realm of real estate. With a team of astute industry leaders, they specialize in handpicking lifestyle properties that captivate discerning buyers. I've was hired by Nook to craft simple illustrations showcasing the diverse architectural styles of California, enriching their marketing arsenal with visual allure.

Employing my minimalist illustrative approach, I visually captured 20 distinct architectural styles. These illustrations were subsequently compiled into a poster, presenting a comprehensive showcase of the diverse spectrum of architectural designs found in Newport Beach, California.

  • Illustration & Graphic Design

  • + Creative Direction
    + Research
    + Sketching & Ideation
    + Graphic Design
    + Iconography

  • This poster is available for purchase in my shop.

Skate, Surf, & Art

Article + Product
January 2017

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Skate, Surf, & Art
Monsa Publications requested permission to feature my illustrated skateboard deck graphic, "Urban Totem," in their book titled "Skate, Surf, and Art." This graphic, originally created for a fundraiser aimed at constructing a new skatepark.

Buy this Book
Skate, Surf, & Art is available for purchase on Monsa Publications website.

America's National Parks

Creative Musing
January 2017

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America's National Parks
Utilizing the emblem shape of the National Park Service and drawing inspiration from the natural elements of our parks—land, water, and sky. Above are two illustrative styles, left badge features gradient colors and right badge feature flat colors. The emblems typeface is Rockwell Nova Condensed designed by Monotype.

 

Modern x Dwell

Creative Musing + Article
December 2016

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Modern x Dwell
The simple line and halftone pattern illustration is a reflection of the contemporary esthetics created for the Modern x Dwell collection. This collaboration between Dwell and Target has produced a thoughtful collection of well-designed modern pieces. Most pieces represented in my illustration are the outdoor patio collection.

 

SpartanNash

Client Project
November 2016

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SpartanNash
Headquartered in Byron Center, Michigan, SpartanNash distributes food to independent grocers, military commissaries, and corporate-owned retail stores in 44 states. I worked closely with SpartanNash to direct, develop and design the thirty-six page corporate responsibility brochure.

Using a guided design approach, I explored SpartanNash's key environmental impact areas of Social and Environmental Responsibilities, delving into each segment to narrate their entire sustainable journey. Through the strategic use of storytelling, we intricately wove together their core values, showcased their diverse capabilities, highlighted community engagement efforts, and underscored their unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. This narrative was brought to life through a blend of design elements, compelling visuals, and informative infographics, culminating in a comprehensive sustainability report.

  • Brochure Design & Layout

  • + Creative Direction
    + Project Management
    + Qualitative Research
    + Concept Development
    + Sketching & Ideation
    + Graphic Design & Layout
    + Photography Art Direction
    + Infographics
    + Illustration

Dwell Feature

Article + Product
December 2016

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Dwell Feature
Thank you Dwell for promoting my work in this month’s issue of Dwell Magazine and on dwell.com It’s nice to be noticed ☺️

What the Dwell blurb reads, “Design With an Eye for Fine Lines. Michigan-based graphic designer and illustrator Michael Nykamp takes minimalist approach to creating portraits and logos for a variety of clients, including AIGA West Michigan, Herman Miller, and musician Truman Cage. We also love his crisp drawings of midcentury classics, such as Jens Risom’s A-Frame house. Follow his collaborations, posters and personal explorations like this geometric lion at dwell.”

Additional Content
View my work on Dwell.

Saint Tikhon

Creative Musing
November 2016

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Saint Tikhon
Simple line and dots illustration of an Orthodox Priest in his vestments and staff.

 

Sleeping Fawn

Client Project
September 2016

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Sleeping Fawn
Created this a few years ago as potential mark for a book publishing company.

  • + Brand Identity

  • + Creative Direction

    + Qualitative Research
    + Concept Development
    + Sketching & Ideation

    + Illustration