Foundations of My Design Practice

Article

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Foundations of My Design Practice
I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to become a graphic designer, or what some might call a design generalist or T-shaped designer. My path started much earlier as a kid who loved to draw and express ideas through color. That early curiosity eventually led me to study fine art, illustration, and user experience—five years of focused learning, exploration, and hands-on practice. Though these studies were instrumental in shaping how I work, I do not practice just one of these disciplines. Over time, they’ve blended into a focused approach that has taught me to observe closely, think conceptually, and design with sensitivity to the human experience.

It was from these foundational beginnings that I naturally flowed into practicing graphic design, but with a unique, visually driven, illustrative approach woven into my design work. Over time, this developed into my style and has helped me shape brands and build design materials grounded in thoughtfulness, meaning, clarity, and how people relate to and engage with them.

Not only have these foundations shaped my work, but they’ve also led to a set of guiding principles, approaches that continue to influence how I collaborate, problem-solve, and design with purpose.

These are the guiding principles I work by (in no particular order):

• Design Happens Together
• Approached with Thoughtfulness
• Design with Intention
• Acumen Equals Impact
• Crafted to Compel

 

  • This article expands on an later piece I wrote where I reflect on my process and why principles matter.

    → 5 Principles Behind the Process

  • The reel above is a mix of client collaborations and personal creative explorations I’ve pursued between projects. They express the breadth of my skills, my evolving style, and the passion I bring to every piece of work—whether driven by client goals or personal curiosity.

Luminous – Brand Identity

↓ Brand Development Deck
Deck slides are an overview of the process behind defining and executing the development of the Luminous identity.

 

↓ Abbreviated Brand Guidelines
The below guidelines outline the essential elements and standards for presenting the Luminous brand accurately.

Client Work

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Luminous – Brand Identity
Luminous engaged us to elevate its master brand and portfolio, guiding the development of a comprehensive visual identity that connects the parent brand with its sub-brands, reflects its mission, and positions it distinctively in the optical market. Luminous originated from Jonas Paul Eyewear and today, Luminous serves as the holding company for Jonas Paul and several other optical brands—dedicated to, “Shedding light into every corner of the optical space.”

Guided by research, collaboration, and informed insights provided by the team, my primary design goals were to establish a strong identity that connects the master brand with its sub-brands, stands out in a competitive market, and reflects boldness, innovation, and meaningful impact.

Despite early design challenges, our shared determination and open dialogue allowed us to refine concepts until one emerged that aligned seamlessly with the brand’s vision, core audience, and markets. Achieving this alignment demanded a rigorous process, carefully balancing innovation, design, and brand consistency.

The result is a distinctive and innovative identity that thoughtfully reflects their mission and current brand offerings. It embodies quiet sophistication—illuminating rather than overwhelming—and conveys intentional brilliance balanced with confident contrast, capturing the essence of the brand.

 

  • Luminous
    Optical & Eyewear Services

  • + Brand Advisor
    + Concept Development
    + Creative Strategy
    + Design Direction
    + Qualitative Research
    + Visual Identity

  • MKN Design Team:
    + Michael Nÿkamp, Design Director

    Luminous Stakeholders:
    + Ben Harrison, Chief Executive Officer
    + Laura Harrison, Chief Operating Officer
    + Spencer Blanchard, Chief Revenue Officer