America’s Obsession

Independent Work

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America’s Obsession
I often explore national and political perspectives through iconic symbolism. The diptych, titled "America's Obsession," delves into the complex and often contentious relationship between firearms and the American flag.

This diptych highlights the historical ties and ongoing debates surrounding firearms in the U.S., emphasizing how deeply entrenched this issue is in the nation's identity. The title hints at a critical viewpoint, suggesting that the country's focus on guns has surpassed mere heritage or rights, evolving into an obsession. Though the two panels are physically separated, the symbolic reach of the bullet extends to the flag, that have replaced the stars with bullet holes.

The artwork invites viewers to contemplate the implications of this obsession and its effect on the nation's identity.

 

Visser Automotive – Brand Identity

Client Work

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Visser Automotive – Brand Identity
Visser Automotive is a well-established auto repair shop in Waterford, Ontario, Canada, recognized for delivering reliable service with speed, fairness, and consistency. The brand identity was designed to reflect trust, craftsmanship, and approachability—core values of the business. The mark is paired with Sneaker, designed by Neil Summerour of Positype., chosen for its sturdy letterforms and friendly tone, which complement the shop’s hands-on expertise and customer-focused reputation.

 

  • Visser Automotive
    Vehicle Repair Auto Shop

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

  • MKN Design Team:
    + Michael Nÿkamp, Design Director

    Visser Automotive Stakeholder:
    + Randy & Grace Visser Family, Owners

January Series – Brand Strategy Messaging

Nonprofit Client Work

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January Series – Brand Strategy Messaging
For nearly 40 years, the January Series has inspired and informed audiences from diverse backgrounds. This free, 10-day event features a lineup of brilliant speakers, captivating topics, and thought-provoking discussions. Prominent academics, educators, artists, activists, and other experts deliver engaging lectures on a range of timely issues. Attendees can participate in person at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, or access the series online from anywhere in the world, both live and on-demand throughout the year.

Together with freelance copywriter Adam Barr, I guided the January Series in aligning their vision with cohesive brand messaging. Through in-depth stakeholder interviews, we distilled key insights to establish a solid foundation, shaping the brand’s tone and defining its voice. As we progressed, we posed additional thoughtful questions and refined messaging through an iterative approach, resulting in comprehensive guidelines. These guidelines will support the brand in navigating, cultivating, and communicating a unified voice across all touchpoints, fostering a coherent connection with audiences, communities, and potential attendees.

 

  • The January Series

  • + Brand Advisor
    + Brand Messaging
    + Copywriting
    + Design Direction
    + Qualitative Research
    + User Interviews

  • MKN Design Team:
    + Michael Nÿkamp, Design Director
    + Adam Barr, Copywriter

    January Series Stakeholders:
    + Michael Wwildschut, Director
    + Emily Dock, Assistant Director

Flagship

Independent Work

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Flagship
Wordmark for Flagship. The typeface I used is Good Headline designed by Łukasz Dziedzic from FontFont.

 

Holiday Stroll

Independent Work

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Holiday Stroll
Happy Holidays! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season.

 

  • Holiday Stroll is currently unavailable for purchase. Please check back after Thanksgiving 2024. Check out more graphic tees on my Cotton Bureau profile page. All Cotton Bureau apparel comes in a variety of clothing types, styles, fits, sizes, materials, and colors.

Amazon, After Hour Hero

Independent Work

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Amazon, After Hour Hero
A conceptual advertisement concept I created for Amazon spotlighting their dedicated drivers and their commitment to after-hour deliveries. The visual emphasis is the delivery truck’s distinctive look and warm glow from its front lights, serving as a friendly delivery beacon. The copy establishes a personal connection with the reader, emphasizing Amazon's dedication to timely and reliable service, even if it’s after hours.

 

Crayola Crayons Poster

Independent Work

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Crayola Crayons Poster
During my childhood, one of the highlights preparing for the first day of school was going school shopping and selecting a brand new box of crayons. I recall carefully unwrapping the box, ensuring not to tear the packaging and being greeted by its unique waxy scent. These illustrated posters are a tribute to this moment and to all who remember the scent and the joy of creating coloring masterpieces. The left poster is a 24 pack of Crayola Crayons with a Walmart price tag and the right poster is the unboxed pack of Crayola Crayons.

 

  • Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain a license from Crayola to sell these vibrant illustrative posters.

Skull & Bones

Product

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Skull & Bones
For a limited time some of the icons I created for Halloween will be available on graphic tees at Cotton Bureau. I’ve paired the icons with the typeface Metalista designed by Tomáš Brousil from Suitcase Type Foundry.

 

  • Skull & Bones (top right tee) is the only available tee in this series to purchase (check back in early October 2024 to purchase the others). Peruse more graphic tees on my Cotton Bureau profile page. All Cotton Bureau apparel comes in a variety of clothing types, styles, fits, sizes, materials, and colors.

Notcha Tacos

Product

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Notcha Tacos
Pronounced, Not-Cha-Tacos. Utilizing some past work I illustrated this fun tacos restaurant logo. The mark is paired with the typeface, CC Sign Language designed by John Roshell and Richard Starkings from Comicraft.

 

Sum

Product

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Sum
While I am not a professional type designer, I have a passion for creating custom typefaces. I just finished this display numerical typeface, called Sum. This font comprises six sizes: Light, Regular, Semibold, Bold, Black, and Heavy. Engaging in studies like this is beneficial for graphic designers., as it enables them to comprehend the intricacies of typeface formation. This knowledge is particularly valuable when crafting a bespoke typeface for a brand.
 

 

  • Sum is available for purchase. Email me for licensing and cost.

MKN Design Reel

Client Work

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MKN Design Reel
Do you like what you see? Well, I’d like to work with you. If you're looking for an experienced independent (freelance) Art Director, Designer, and Illustrator, or if you know of any companies seeking short or long-term project contracts or retainers, feel free to contact me via email.

 

  • The design and illustrative projects within this reel are a combination of strategic branding, environmental design, iconography, illustration, graphic design, and packaging.

GEM

Independent Work

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GEM
A simplification of a sapphire gem paired with the variable typeface, New York designed by Apple. New York is a serif companion to Apple’s San Franciso-type series, it features six weights and features variable optical sizes. The 'G' in the wordmark was adjusted to mirror the shape of the gem, enhancing balance and symmetry of the combination mark.

 

Carbon Cycle – Infographic Design

Client Work

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Carbon Cycle – Infographic Design
Creating and illustrating a carbon cycle infographic for a major producer of sustainable lumber, pulp, and paper. Our task was to clearly communicate the client's approach to combating climate change while showcasing their strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

The goal was to streamline a complex sustainability concept, making it visually captivating and ensuring the audience was able to comprehend the initiative. The final infographic was simple and friendly, conveying the client’s message of responsible environmental stewardship and dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.

 

  • Peopledesign
    Branding Agency

  • + Concept Development
    + Design & Layout
    + Illustration
    + Sketching & Ideation
    + Qualitative Research

  • MKN Design Team:
    + Michael Nÿkamp, Graphic Designer & Illustrator

    Peopledesign Stakeholder:
    + Yang Kim, Principal and Executive Creative Director

Jazz

Independent Work

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Jazz
An design exercise updating the Jazz Journal wordmark (a magazine produced from 1946–2019). The revised wordmark took from its past and present characteristics to envision a new wordmark with a modern flare.

 

  • Photo of Louis Armstrong, 1953. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

Chronicles of Narnia

Independent Work

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Chronicles of Narnia
This emblem is based on my favorite book series as a kid, Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. The crest illustrates Cair Paravel Rampart (top), Aslan (center), and Archenland Coat of Arms (bottom).

 

FluMist® – Packaging Design System

Client Work

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FluMist® – Packaging Design System
VML hired me as a packaging specialist to create a distinctive design for AstraZeneca’s FluMist®, including physical prototypes and instructional illustrations.

Given the innovative delivery method—a single-dose nasal spray rather than a traditional needle—this project also demanded a creative approach to the visual design and unboxing experience. Our design approach was dual- focused, targeting both parents and children and included exterior and interior design considerations.

The system included a clear visual guide for administering the dose, reminder stickers, and the physical dose mechanism, all designed to work cohesively within the overall experience.

To achieve an approachable, refined, and safe feel for the design and unboxing experience, we incorporated the brand’s vibrant color palette, friendly typography, and playful illustrations. Our goal was to instill a sense of trustworthiness, friendliness, and clarity in both the exterior and interior packaging while ensuring all strict FDA packaging regulations were prominently displayed. This approach created an unboxing experience that was engaging, clear, and professional, balancing approachability and safety.

Successful packaging begins with a deep understanding of who it’s being designed for, guiding both the visual direction and overall strategy. Equally important is having the expertise to design and develop physical mock-ups, which help identify structural requirements and limitations before applying the visual design. Creating these mock-ups further strengthens the process by providing real-world insight into how the structure, materials, and design elements work together. This ensures that the visual and structural components align seamlessly with the overall design goals, especially within strict pharmaceutical guidelines.

 

  • AstraZeneca
    Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology

  • + Communication Design
    + Concept Development
    + Creative Assets
    + Instructional Illustration
    + Physical Prototyping
    + Photoshop & Physical Mockups
    + Qualitative Research
    + Unboxing Experience

  • MKN Design Team:
    + Michael Nÿkamp, Graphic Designer and Illustrator

    VML  Stakeholder:
    + David Swearingen, Group Design Director
    +     AstraZeneca, FluMist Marketing Department

Dowel Plant Stand

Independent Work

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Dowel Plant Stand
During my downtime, not only do I like to illustrate, but I like to design and build small woodworking projects, like this Dowel Plant Stand. Made from Poplar and constructed only using wood and glue.

 

  • These plans are available to purchase, email me for cost.