Mike Nicholls
DESIGN, MEDIA & STORYTELLING




Photo: McKayla Chandler


My purpose is to use storytelling and design to create moments of positive inspiration.



SHORT BIO
Mike Nicholls is an award-winning Oakland-based creative director, visual artist, and media maker with over 20 years of experience. He is the Founder & CEO of Umber, a cultural media platform centered around art, design and music. His work has been recognized by AfroTech, PRINT Magazine, and other leading outlets. Mike collaborates with global thought leaders, visionary organizations, and regularly speaks at events such as CreativeMornings, SF Design Week, and The State of Black Design.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
At the core of Mike’s creative practice is a deep commitment to storytelling, collaboration, and culture-centered design. Every project starts with intentional listening—understanding the audience, the environment, and the essence of the story being told. Whether building a brand, curating content, or crafting immersive experiences, his work is driven by a mission to spark meaningful connection and inspire positive cultural impact.
THE PROCESS
Visionary Storytelling
Every project is an opportunity to tell a story that resonates. Mike focuses on developing concepts that align with cultural context, audience insights, and brand values. By blending strategic thinking with creative direction, he crafts cohesive narratives that inspire and engage.
Design Leadership
Mike approaches design with a comprehensive lens, ensuring seamless integration of strategy, visual direction, and execution. This ensures that the work not only meets aesthetic goals but also achieves broader strategic objectives.
Culture-Centered Innovation
Design is most impactful when it reflects and uplifts the communities it serves. Mike strives to create spaces—whether physical, digital, or experiential—that amplify diverse voices, foster meaningful connections, and celebrate cultural identity.




CAREER JOURNEY
  • Crafted Platforms: Developed creative platforms that elevate underrepresented voices, blending design with cultural storytelling to create lasting impact.

  • Built with Purpose: Helped organizations articulate their mission and connect authentically with their audiences through strategic design and brand activations.

  • Inspired Recognition: Garnered acknowledgment from cultural organizations, media platforms, and community advocates for innovative and effective work that shapes conversations around culture and identity.


Collabs & Partnerships
Bandcamp
Berrett & Kohler Publishers
The Betti Ono Foundation
Black Voice News
BrowneMusser
Community Works West
Decolonizing Wealth
de Young Museum
Design Bay Area
Designing Justice + Designing Spaces
Embodiment Project
Gameheads
Hearst Communications
Inneract Project
Kinfolx
KQED 
Letterform Archive
Movement Stories
Museum of the African Diaspora
North Atlantic Books
The Oaklandside
Oprah Daily
Red Bay Coffee
Renegade Running
Reparations Club
Vocal Type Co.
Young Women’s Freedom Center
Discuss your next media or design project with Mike.
Features
Speaking
  • AIGA San Francisco
  • AIGA Midwest Design Week
  • SF Design Week
  • Creative Mornings
  • Publishing Professionals Network Conference
  • Hue Design Summit
  • State of Black Design 
  • Where are the Black Designers?
BLENDING ART WITH STRATEGYMike’s foundation as an illustrator and visual artist allows him to infuse creativity into every aspect of my work. He brings an artistic lens to strategic campaigns and culture-shifting frameworks, creating designs that not only meet objectives but also evoke emotion and inspire action.
Mike Nicholls
thisismikenicholls(at) gmail dot com
Oakland