DESIGN, MEDIA & STORYTELLING
Selected Works
UMBER
Globally amplifying creative perspectives that matter.
Umber is a media platform dedicated to globally amplifying creative perspectives that matter, particularly those of Black people and people of color. Through print publications and curated events, Umber promotes discovery, inspiration, and reflection via the power of storytelling.
Role and Contributions
- Founder & CEO: As the Founder & CEO, Mike Nicholls led Umber’s vision and strategy, transforming it into a globally recognized media platform. He guided its development as a sanctuary for creative expression, fostering a vibrant community of artists, writers, photographers, and creators.
- Creative Direction: Mike shaped Umber’s artistic vision, blending immersive design elements with captivating visual narratives to craft both online and print experiences that deeply engaged audiences.
- Media Expertise: In his role leading media initiatives, Mike meticulously curated a spectrum of content, from thought-provoking articles to visually compelling art features and insightful interviews. This amalgamation of his passion for creative direction and storytelling catalyzed enriching dialogues within the creative sphere.
Impact
Under Mike’s leadership, Umber has been recognized by AfroTech, PRINT Magazine, and Communication Arts for its innovative approach to media and storytelling. The platform’s commitment to highlighting global perspectives has fostered moments of inspiration, dialogue, and connectivity within the community.
Learn more, visit Umber
Movement Stories Brand Design
Music & Migration, Remixed
Client: Meklit Hadero/Movement Stories
Overview
Movement is a multi-platform storytelling initiative that explores the intersection of migration and music. Through live shows, podcasts, and radio broadcasts, Movement centers the voices, stories, and songs of immigrant, migrant, and refugee musicians, claiming public space for these artists to share their stories with complexity and nuance.
Challenge
The brand needed a logo and visual identity that embodied its purpose: fostering connection, creativity, and advocacy while resonating with its diverse audience, including immigrant communities, social justice advocates, music enthusiasts, and educational institutions.
Approach
To guide the brand’s identity, I identified Movement as an Explorer archetype, with subtypes like the Citizen, Creator, and Lover, emphasizing individuality, connection, and artistic expression. Sketch explorations focused on creating dynamic “M” letterforms and full wordmarks that communicated rhythm, movement, and energy. These designs balanced versatility and scalability while resonating with Movement’s core themes of migration and music.
Solution
The final logo design for Movement reflects a dynamic balance between cultural depth and universal appeal. The geometric forms evoke migration, rhythm, and connection without anchoring the identity to one specific culture, embodying Movement’s role as a unifying force across global communities.
Learn more, visit Movement Stories
LIFT EVERY VOICE
A Celebration of Black Lives
Client: Hearst Communications/Oprah Daily
Overview
Lift Every Voice is a collection of interviews with the oldest generation of Black Americans, capturing their wisdom, experiences, and legacies. Featuring civil rights activists, hometown heroes, and celebrities, the project celebrates Black lives through stories that inspire intergenerational connection and honor cultural resilience.
Challenge
The design challenge was to create a cover and layout that honored the stories’ gravity while appealing to both Black elders and young audiences. With editorial content and photography crafted by young Black Millennials, the design needed to bridge traditional and modern aesthetics to reflect the project’s intergenerational mission.
Approach
I explored over 30 design concepts, drawing inspiration from the Black experience in America. The final design, chosen by Hearst Magazine/Oprah Daily, was inspired by the stained-glass windows of the church I attended as a child. This symbolized reflection, community, and spirituality, tying the design to the elders’ legacy. I ensured the design reflected the vibrancy and dignity of Black culture, resonating with both older and younger generations.
Solution
The final design for Lift Every Voice is a symbolic representation of Black resilience and legacy. The stained-glass-inspired cover connects with Black elders, while bold typography and layout appeal to younger audiences, balancing tradition and modernity.
Learn more, visit Oprah Daily
thisismikenicholls(at) gmail dot com
Oakland