Mikkel . Design Director

Friends describe me as a good storyteller, rather particular and excitable – a combination of traits that has definitely served me well on my creative journey.

Of course, great work speaks for itself. But it’s also important to learn the art of persuasion… to sell people on a dream. It’s how I got my first job – at Cato Partners – a day after finishing my design degree. And how I won the Nike account  (yes – Nike!).

In 2007 I presented a Kiwi inventor’s idea to six of Apple’s key designers, including the 2IC to Steve Jobs, Jonathan Ives. It was tough convincing the world’s leading ideas company but I was up for the challenge.

In between mixing it with Nike and Apple I’ve worked everywhere from Oslo to Sydney, for the likes of GRID Strategisk Design, SDG - Scandinavian Design Group, Landor Associates and Enterprise IG.

I’ve founded three start-ups: Negine Ltd (design company), Cluster Creative Ltd (a brand consultancy still running in Wellington) and volom Ltd (an innovation consultancy business).

And I’ve worked as a senior art director for Leo Burnett, George Patts, Wunderman, Y&R, Lavender, Tequila, M&C Saatchi, Singleton Ogilvy & Mather, Saatchi Design Worldwide, and most recently, Saatchi & Saatchi Auckland.

Armed with more than eleven years of international experience on all things ‘brand’, and a passion for NZ creative stories, I returned home in 2006.

I’m using my understanding of foreign markets to help local clients (as well as those in Australia and the US) grow their brands offshore.

When you’re ready to elevate your brand to the next level get in touch.

Brand story telling / Naming / Brand strategy / Brand identity / Brand management / Concept generation and design development / Information architecture / UI design / Retail science / Retail store design / Ability to translate brands seamlessly across all customer touch points.

I think before I speak. I love creative problem solving. Plus, I’m renowned for my strategic insights, objective understanding of a client’s challenge, and ability to turn every stone to uncover the guts of an idea before packaging it in a compelling way.