City Pours

April 18, 2024

Client Project
April 2024

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City Pours
City Pours is a local bartending service that provides professional dry bartending services that offer a range of beverage solutions. Their business specializes in providing a convenient, all-in-one bar service solution for events, ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience. Their professionally trained staff, paired with exceptional bar options and packages, guarantees a top-notch experience for any celebration.

+ Brand Identity
+ Creative Direction
+ Concept Development
+ Sketching & Ideation
+ Illustration
+ Graphic Design

Flagship

December 29, 2023

Creative Musing
December 2023

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

Toshiba GP-42

February 1, 2023

Creative Musing
February 2023

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Toshiba GP-42
This is not AI-generated or a 3D rendering, but a 2D product illustration. The GP-42 was developed and designed by Toshiba in 1978 as a portable analog record player combined with an AM Radio and microphone input for karaoke.

Navigator

January 26, 2023

Client Project
January 2023

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Navigator Driving Academy
After 23 years of growth, Navigator's brand no longer aligned with its current focus on training young teenagers and adults in smart or autonomous vehicles, nor did it represent the direction Navigator aimed to pursue. Therefore, a new brand was imperative to reflect its evolution accurately.

Navigator had a few distinctive design challenges that required resolution:

Develop a logo that intuitively feels like a driving academy without feeling or stating it's a driving academy.
Logo to be perceived as trustworthy, safe, and exceptional to parents (core audience), but also conveys a cool factor for teen student drivers (secondary audience).
By law, driving academy vehicles are legally required to have ‘student driver’ signage on their vehicles. This is typically resolved with magnetic ‘student driver’ signs prone to slipping or peeling. A solution was needed to seamlessly integrate Navigator's logo with the required signage—ensuring a purposeful design rather than an afterthought, enhancing both safety and branding.

The final combined logo for Navigator successfully tackled every design challenge with a bold, attention-grabbing appearance. It seamlessly integrated the student driver sign by utilizing a vehicle wrap, ensuring a cohesive and visually striking solution.

+ Brand Identity
+ Creative Direction
+ Project Management
+ Qualitative Research
+ Concept Development
+ Sketching & Ideation
+ Design & Layout
+ Brand Mockups
+ Vehicle Wrap

Robertson

July 18, 2022

Creative Musing
July 2022

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Robertson
A creative exercise taking the square shape from the Robertson Drive and mimicking the font to the style of the mark. The Robertson square-socket drive was invented by Peter Lymburner Robertson, a Canadian inventor, industrialist, salesman, and philanthropist who popularized the square-socket drive for screws.

Coldbreak, Brand Strategy & Identity

March 14, 2022

Client Project
March 2022

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Coldbreak, Brand Strategy & Identity
Coldbreak started in 2005 from humble beginnings. As they grew, they acquired a stellar reputation within the draft equipment industry. Today they are the leader in the development, engineering, and designing of mobile draft equipment for breweries, entertainment and hospitality industries, brewing enthusiasts, and other aficionados. Aware of this, Coldbreak knew that its logo had aged and did not reflect its current reputation and vision.

Guided a client in orchestrating the conception, formation, and design of the Coldbreak identity. As we moved through the process, we distilled insights gathered from audience and stakeholder interviews, shaping the foundation of the brand. This foundation delineated the brand’s tone, defined the voice and visual direction of the brand. As we progressed, additional interviews, journey mapping, naming, brand architecture, iterative brand development, and brand guidelines were established, evolving into the final Become brand.

+ Brand Strategy & Identity
+ Team Leadership
+ Creative Direction
+ Qualitative & Quantitative Research
+ Project Management
+ User Interviews
+ Qualitative Research
+ Brand Messaging
+ Visual Identity
+ Brand Strategy
+ Concept Developement
+ Sketching & Ideation
+ Illustration
+ Vehicle Wrap
After a decade of struggling to find our identity internally, we reached out to MKN Design. Michael quickly immersed himself in our company culture, history, and future goals to create the an accurate brand strategy and visual identity. To say we’re happy with the results is a huge understatement.

— Boyd Culver, CEO of Coldbreak
View the preliminary concepts that where explored for Become.

Coldbreak Mark Exploration

December 24, 2021

Client Project
December 2021

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Coldbreak Mark Exploration
Though these marks where not selected by Coldbreak they laid the groundwork for refinement, ultimately leading to Coldbreak’s final brand identity.

These unselected marks where drawn from research and interviews conducted during the initial discovery phase. While they weren't ultimately chosen they served as a foundation for further refinement, contributing to the execution of Coldbreak’s brand identity. The sixth concept (bottom right) guided the direction towards Coldbreak's ultimate brand identity.

+ Branding
+ Research
+ Concept Development
+ Sketching & Ideation
+ Illustration
View the completed brand strategy and identity project.

Foreshadow

December 4, 2021

Client Project
December 2021

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Foreshadow
This startup developed a machine learning algorithm to preemptively identify potential threats of malicious phishing attacks. Their goal was to alert users of potential threats to their online security and privacy.

This startup developed a machine learning algorithm to preemptively identify potential threats of malicious phishing attacks. Their goal was to alert users of potential threats to their online security and privacy. With a staggering 97% of people unable to discern phishing attacks, their innovative solution aimed to bridge this critical gap in cybersecurity awareness for home use.

+ Brand Identity
+ Creative Direction
+ Research (competitive, consumer)
+ Concept Development
+ Sketching & Ideation
+ Iconography
+ Mockups

Become, Brand Strategy & Identity

June 2, 2021

Phase I: Understand + Discovery

Phase II: Ideate + Define + Develop

Phase III: Execute + Deliver

Client Project
June 2021

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Become, Brand Strategy & Identity
Become is an education and learning website that help individuals navigate and connect with schools and businesses through deep insights and data-backed guidance. My team worked closely with Become's founders to develop their brand design system, covering everything from messaging, naming to the identity.

I led a team in planning, development, and design of the Become brand identity. Through my comprehensive process we distilled insights gathered from audience and stakeholder interviews, shaping the foundation of the brand. This foundation delineated the brand’s tone, defined the voice and visual direction of the brand. As we progressed, additional interviews, journey mapping, naming, brand architecture, iterative brand development evolving into a simple, meaningful and approachable brand. After this effort a detailed brand guidelines was established.

The word 'Become' was crafted by merging the space between its initial and final letters. This simple alteration embodies the concept of 'Become' as a companion throughout one's professional journey. Additionally, this modification transforms the tense of the word from future to present, implying that individuals can embrace their current selves or evolve into something new.

+ Branding
+ Team Leadership
+ Project Management
+ Creative Direction
+ Qualitative & Quantitative Research
+ Brand Messaging
+ Naming
+ Visual Identity
Michael Nÿkamp served as a patient and adept navigator during our brand discovery expedition. His guidance enabled us to gain profound insights into our company's identity. Although the outcome was unexpected, it perfectly aligned with our aspirations. None of this would have happened without him and for that, we are very grateful.
— Ryan Montgomery, CEO of Become
View the initial mark exploration concepts for Become.
Phase III fun illustrations drawn by David Schofield.

Maggie Bandstra Studio

March 11, 2021

Client Project
March 2021

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Maggie Bandstra Studio
Maggie is a versatile artist and educator who seamlessly transitions between painting and crafting clay sculptures and pottery. Her creative endeavors are unified by a captivating exploration of themes such as nature, healing, and human connection.

The organic shapes within her logo are reflective of the forms recurrent in both her paintings and pottery creations. While her identity remains neutral, Maggie's vibrant personality permeates her work, ensuring that her art takes center stage. During the exploration phase, it became evident that Maggie required multiple logo marks to accommodate diverse applications across her artwork and to maintain a professional presence across various stamped, printed and digital platforms.

+ Brand Identity
+ Creative Direction
+ Qualitative Research
+ Visual Identity
+ Stationery Design

ITHAKA S+R

April 10, 2020

Client Project
April 2020

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ITHAKA S+R
Dedicated to supporting higher education's digital transformation, ITHAKA S+R is a nonprofit conducting research, offering strategic guidance, and providing consulting services. Working closely with ITHAKA S+R, I revamped and modernized their existing design system, creating a beautiful and distinctive visual identity.

ITHAKA S+R enlisted me to modernize their design for reports, presentations, and infographics, emphasizing enhancements in design, color, and typography within a clear and comprehensive design system. The project had strict requirements, including adherence to brand guidelines, consideration of color blindness and visual impairments, and the need for distinct visual cues for various document types. Additionally, staff needed the capability to create or update all redesigned materials. After research, it was determined that Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, and Sheets) would be the optimal solution for creating these materials. The result was a unified design system that stayed true to ITHAKA S+R’s brand guidelines while providing a distinct visual identity for educational research materials and presentations.

+ Design System
+ Creative Direction
+ Project Management
+ Qualitative Research
+ Concept Development
+ Graphic Design & Layout
+ Presentation Design
+ Infographics
+ Illustration

Brand Motion

January 12, 2020

Client Projects + Creative Musings
January 2020

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Brand Motion
These various logos and marks have been created by using simple motion design. Integrating subtle motion not only elevates the visual appeal of your brand but also contributes to narrating a captivating brand story, making it easier for your audience to relate and remember your brand.

Looking for assistance in establishing a brand or revitalizing an existing one, contact me!

+ Brand Identity & Animation
+ Creative Direction
+ Concept Development
+ Sketching & Ideation
+ Illustration
+ Motion Design

Beacon

September 2, 2019

Creative Musing
August 2019

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Beacon
A simple logo symbolizing guidance. The mark is paired with Proxima Nova, designed by Mark Simonson from Mark Simonson Studio.

Future State

September 6, 2018

Client Project
September 2018

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Future State
Future State was developed for the key stakeholders and the City of Grand Rapids, aimed to establish a council to facilitate engagement and foster connections between employers and employees within the AI economy.

The triangular mark used for Future State’s mark is derived from a segment of a square, symbolizing a map's grid system. The squares represented on a map serve as markers for finding distinct regions, such as Grand Rapids – serving as the the area where Future State resides. The sliced triangular segment of the square acts as forward momentum.

+ Brand Identity
+ Creative Direction
+ Concept Development
+ Sketching & Ideation
+ Graphic Design
This project was a collaborative effort, with Kevin White.

Michigan Wheel Marine

December 26, 2016

Article + Client Project
December 2016

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Michigan Wheel Marine
Navigating client relationships can be complex, much like an experience I had with Michigan Wheel Marine (now named Michigan Wheel), a former client based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Established in 1906, they have a rich history and maintain a strong reputation for handcrafting propellers celebrated for their unparalleled performance.

Project Background:
When Michigan Wheel Marine sought my services to develop a new brand identity for their company, I was initially unaware of the internal conflict and power dynamics at play within the organization. So like any beginning of a project, I dove in and began to work closely with the internal team and their global partners. It soon became evident that there was internal and partner conflict regarding how they defined their brand and how customers perceived them. Unfortunately, their ongoing disagreements only complicated my efforts to provide them with sound advice and develop a meaningful brand identity.

Instead of wanting to gain an understanding of their market and customers, they created internal alignments that swayed what they felt was their brand. Never considering my advice for thoughtful research and interviewing to understand their business, market, and customer perceptions.

Reflecting back on this situation, I wish I had been more direct with them, though I'm uncertain if that would have helped. It's unfortunate that they relied on internal alignments to assert what they believed was right, overlooking the importance of thorough qualitative and quantitative research. Missing this important step, they overlooked valuable insights that would have helped me shape their brand more effectively. Research should always play a crucial role in uncovering customer needs, preferences, and perceptions, ultimately guiding an effective brand strategy.

The result of neglecting this essential step, Michigan Wheel Marine missed out on opportunities to differentiate themselves and resonate with their target markets and consumers. Unfortunately, this led to the termination of our working relationship, as they sought a design studio that would simply comply with their instructions without prioritizing strategic research and insights.

Logo Direction:
The logo direction was shaped by restricted research, as the client was unwilling to invest in what they perceived as unnecessary expenses. I hate to say, “I told you so.” Some companies do not like spending money on important research. Since this was the reality of this project, I spent time on preparing a basic questionnaire to understand the company, its market segments and competitor analysis. This limited research revealed a desire to differentiate from competitors and avoid the common propeller motif. I felt my approach was unique, drawing from their company's rich history, engineering expertise, and providing precision handcrafted propellors.

During my exploration phase, I focused on incorporating marine motifs. I used a boat bow with the addition of two flowing lines (acting as a flag), these two combined elements created a badge. I chose a bold typeface, Acumin Variable designed by Robert Slimbach from Adobe Originals to commitment the logomark. With the additional of color, reflecting a nautical theme I added depth to the mark to give it presence. Also, by angling the logo I created a sense of movement, making it feel more modern and energetic. The final execution integrates the logomark (badge) and logotype (company name) to reflect the company's experience, excellence and superior products.

Even though the stakeholders didn't see this as the right direction, it was just one of my approaches that I believed aligned with their needs based on the research conducted.

+Brand Identity
+ Creative Direction
+ Project Management 
+ Qualitative Research
+ Concept Development
+ Sketching & Ideation
+ Illustration

Service:

Tasks:

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

__Toshiba GP-42This is not AI-generated or a 3D rendering, but a 2D product illustration. The GP-42 was developed and designed by Toshiba in 1978 as a portable analog record player combined with an AM Radio and microphone input for karaoke.

Navigator had a few distinctive design challenges that required resolution:

Develop a logo that intuitively feels like a driving academy without feeling or stating it's a driving academy.

Logo to be perceived as trustworthy, safe, and exceptional to parents (core audience), but also conveys a cool factor for teen student drivers (secondary audience).

The final combined logo for Navigator successfully tackled every design challenge with a bold, attention-grabbing appearance. It seamlessly integrated the student driver sign by utilizing a vehicle wrap, ensuring a cohesive and visually striking solution.

Service:

Tasks:

Service:

Tasks:

Imprimatur:

Additional Content:

__Coldbreak Mark ExplorationThough these marks where not selected by Coldbreak they laid the groundwork for refinement, ultimately leading to Coldbreak’s final brand identity.

Service:

Tasks:

Additional Content:

__ForeshadowThis startup developed a machine learning algorithm to preemptively identify potential threats of malicious phishing attacks. Their goal was to alert users of potential threats to their online security and privacy.

Service

Tasks:

Service:

Tasks:

Imprimatur:

Additional Content:

Attribution:

__Maggie Bandstra StudioMaggie is a versatile artist and educator who seamlessly transitions between painting and crafting clay sculptures and pottery. Her creative endeavors are unified by a captivating exploration of themes such as nature, healing, and human connection.

Service:

Tasks:

Service:

Tasks:

__Brand MotionThese various logos and marks have been created by using simple motion design. Integrating subtle motion not only elevates the visual appeal of your brand but also contributes to narrating a captivating brand story, making it easier for your audience to relate and remember your brand.

Looking for assistance in establishing a brand or revitalizing an existing one, contact me!

Service:

Tasks:

__BeaconA simple logo symbolizing guidance. The mark is paired with Proxima Nova, designed by Mark Simonson from Mark Simonson Studio.

__Future StateFuture State was developed for the key stakeholders and the City of Grand Rapids, aimed to establish a council to facilitate engagement and foster connections between employers and employees within the AI economy.

Service:

Tasks:

Attribution:

Instead of wanting to gain an understanding of their market and customers, they created internal alignments that swayed what they felt was their brand. Never considering my advice for thoughtful research and interviewing to understand their business, market, and customer perceptions.

Even though the stakeholders didn't see this as the right direction, it was just one of my approaches that I believed aligned with their needs based on the research conducted.

Service:

Tasks:

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

__
Toshiba GP-42
This is not AI-generated or a 3D rendering, but a 2D product illustration. The GP-42 was developed and designed by Toshiba in 1978 as a portable analog record player combined with an AM Radio and microphone input for karaoke.

__
Coldbreak Mark Exploration
Though these marks where not selected by Coldbreak they laid the groundwork for refinement, ultimately leading to Coldbreak’s final brand identity.

__
Foreshadow
This startup developed a machine learning algorithm to preemptively identify potential threats of malicious phishing attacks. Their goal was to alert users of potential threats to their online security and privacy.

__
Maggie Bandstra Studio
Maggie is a versatile artist and educator who seamlessly transitions between painting and crafting clay sculptures and pottery. Her creative endeavors are unified by a captivating exploration of themes such as nature, healing, and human connection.

__
Beacon
A simple logo symbolizing guidance. The mark is paired with Proxima Nova, designed by Mark Simonson from Mark Simonson Studio.

__
Future State
Future State was developed for the key stakeholders and the City of Grand Rapids, aimed to establish a council to facilitate engagement and foster connections between employers and employees within the AI economy.