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
I developed this mark a few years ago as potential logo for a book publishing company. It never came to fruition, but I love it enough to share it with you all.

  • + Brand Identity

  • + Creative Direction

    + Qualitative Research
    + Concept Development
    + Sketching & Ideation

    + Illustration

Death of a Lotus

Creative Musing
August 2016

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Death of a Lotus
Some quick stylistic illustrations created in my downtime today.

 

Threads

Client Project
April 2016

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Threads
At the heart of the furniture manufacturer's legacy lies its iconic pieces and the visionary designers behind them, such as Alexander Girard, and Ray and Charles Eames. "Threads" is a presentation and conversation lead by former graphic designer Steve Frykholm and writer Clark Malcolm. They weave Herman Miller's rich history of design innovation, its embrace of new ideas and talents through captivating narratives that shaped Herman Miller's 111-year journey. Because of my illustrative portrait line style, I was commissioned to create illustrations tailored to complement the theme of "threads."


Because of my former work in simple line portraits and having already completed a portrait of Steve, I was approached to create a portrait of Clark. These portraits were seamlessly woven into promotional and presentation materials, tailored to complement the theme of "Threads."

  • + Portrait Illustration

  • + Style Development
    + Sketching & Ideation
    + Illustration

  • My portrait series, formally called Facebook Friends started as a self initiated project illustrating my friends on Facebook. This endeavor evolved into illustrating portraits of speakers for CanUX Conference, and numerous portraits for friends and clients.An article titled "Face Behind the Faces" was written about me and the portrait series.

  • Art direction provided by Mark Beard. Promotional collateral and web materials developed by Herman Miller.