Hi! I’m Michael Nÿkamp, and I live in West Michigan. I am the owner of MKN Design, where I serve as creative director, designer, and illustrator. I work with a diverse group of clients. I cross a variety of industries by blending strategy, artfulness, and purpose into visual communications.
How long have you been drawing or illustrating?
I have been drawing since I was a kid, but I have been a communication designer for 22 years.
When did you feel like you discovered your style?
I would say that my style is still evolving. While studying at Sheridan College, my style was realism, but it naturally evolved into a minimalist style over time.
How did it happen?
I believe my style evolved because of my contrasting studies at Sheridan College (Fine Art, Illustration, & New Media Design) along with my work experiences. Together they expanded and elevated my sense of understanding empathy in order to develop visual communications for my client’s customers/user’s/audience.
Use one word to describe your style.
Minimalist
Who or what inspires you to illustrate?
Contemplative walks (with my dog, Buddy, a Norwegian Elkhound)
Family
Music (depends on my mood – Tool to Johann Sebastian Bach)
Here is a photo of my favorite books
Describe your creative process in several steps.
Understand
Ideate
Execute
This 3 step process allows each project to be transparent, efficient, and focused. It also supports thoughtful visual communications that align with an organization's business strategy, brand, and customer insights.
Which tools do you use to illustrate?
Paper & pencil, iPad via Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop.
Which one do you use the most?
Each one equally.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Accept change, move forward, and work hard.
How do you see yourself in the future?
Always creating!
How can others find your work or connect with you?
Find me at MKN Design. View my shop. You are able to connect with me socially on Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin.