2026
Writing First Book
Books, Publishing
Do The Thing will be my first book: a battle-tested framework and no-bullshit guide to help you find, start, focus, cultivate, and ultimately ship your Thing. (more info)
2022
The new official logo for one of the world’s leading outdoor brands. I designed it in collaboration with David Benedek, Ricardo Ferrol, and the team at Salomon in Annecy, France. It made its debut at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Additionally, I designed the logos for the sub-brands Salomon Advanced and S/LAB.
The new official logo for one of the world’s leading outdoor brands. I designed it in collaboration with David Benedek, Ricardo Ferrol, and the team at Salomon in Annecy, France. It made its debut at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Additionally, I designed the logos for the sub-brands Salomon Advanced and S/LAB. →
2019–2025
For Mugler Paris, I redesigned the visual identity and refined the official wordmark, logos, and iconic star, commissioned by creative director Casey Cadwallader. I also designed and developed the e-commerce website and created packaging, patterns, invitations, and lookbook designs for the shows over the past years.
For Mugler Paris, I redesigned the visual identity and refined the official wordmark, logos, and iconic star, commissioned by creative director Casey Cadwallader. I also designed and developed the e-commerce website and created packaging, patterns, invitations, and lookbook designs for the shows over the past years. →
2023
A complete identity I created for LỰU ĐẠN, Kwaidan Editions’ Hung La’s new fashion, spanning art direction, logo design, spirit animal graphics and the e-commerce website. Design support by Sarah Discours.
A complete identity I created for LỰU ĐẠN, Kwaidan Editions’ Hung La’s new fashion label available exclusively on Ssense, spanning art direction, logo design, spirit animal graphics and the e-commerce website. Design support by Sarah Discours. →
2016–
I founded PRESENT in New York in 2016. It’s my publishing project and global community, and the word, with all its meanings, forms the pillars of the project. I build tools to support Modern Makers: the print magazine, the digital platform, in-depth podcasts, and regular workshops.
I founded PRESENT in New York in 2016. It’s my publishing project and global community. I build tools to support Modern Makers: the print magazine, the digital platform, in-depth podcasts, and regular workshops. →
2022
I led the art direction, design and development of the visual identities, websites, applications and UI/UX of the Newfoundation ecosystem, including the newOS application, Newforum podcast and Newcoin protocol, a decentralized, blockchain-based toolset for creators.
I led the art direction, design and development of the visual identities, websites, applications and UI/UX of the Newfoundation ecosystem, including the newOS application, Newforum podcast and Newcoin protocol, a decentralized, blockchain-based toolset for creators. →
2017–2020
I made a run of work for District Vision, the running brand and wellness collective based in Los Angeles, spanning graphic design and branding across multiple projects, including the Beyond Jogging book. Hand drawings by Filip Pagowski.
I made a run of work for District Vision, the running brand and wellness collective based in Los Angeles, spanning graphic design and branding across multiple projects, including the Beyond Jogging book. Hand drawings by Filip Pagowski. →
2020–2021
Apple hired me to consult and design across multiple projects, including iPad, Watch, and the iPhone Pro, where I worked across campaign and hardware art direction, including wallpaper research and design.
Apple hired me to consult and design across projects, including iPad, Watch, and the iPhone Pro, where I worked on campaign, hardware art direction, and wallpaper design. →
2019
I created a visual identity with a custom typeface for COLORS, the global music platform focused on promoting the most distinctive new artists and original sounds, with over 8 million subscribers. Design support by Sarah Discours. Special thanks to Steve Legrand and Philipp Starcke.
I created a visual identity with a custom typeface for COLORS, the global music platform focused on promoting the most distinctive new artists and original sounds, with over 8 million subscribers. Design support by Sarah Discours. Special thanks to Steve Legrand and Philipp Starcke. →
2018
Concept and design development for a Berlin-themed Nike Air Max. I was approached by Nike with a shoe concept based on the question: what makes Berlin truly unique to you?
Concept and design development for a Berlin-themed Nike Air Max. I was approached by Nike with a shoe concept based on the question: what makes Berlin truly unique to you? →
2010–2021
Over the span of 10 years I designed artworks for techno trio Aroma Pitch, recently published by Public Possession. For their live show at HÖR I designed and screenprinted a limited AP x PRESENT uniform.
Over the span of 10 years I designed artworks for techno trio Aroma Pitch, recently published by Public Possession. For their live show at HÖR I designed and screenprinted a limited AP x PRESENT uniform. →
2019
I art directed and designed the campaign for Paul Pogba’s new capsule collection for Adidas , shot in the catacombs of a stadium in Manchester, UK, spanning concept, art direction and graphic design.
I art directed and designed the campaign for Paul Pogba’s new capsule collection for Adidas , shot in the catacombs of a stadium in Manchester, UK, spanning concept, art direction and graphic design. →
2016
I designed the visual identity for New York based Sies Marjan, led by former Dries Van Noten head of design Sander Lak: custom type logo, label design, invites and printed matter, and the website. With and for 2x4, New York. Art Direction by Ryan Weafer, Photography by Bruce Weber. “The Sies Marjan show was NYFW’s most buzzed-about debut,” The New York Times.
I designed the visual identity for New York based Sies Marjan, led by former Dries Van Noten head of design Sander Lak: custom type logo, label design, invites and printed matter, and the website. With and for 2x4, New York. Art Direction by Ryan Weafer, Photography by Bruce Weber. “The Sies Marjan show was NYFW’s most buzzed-about debut,” The New York Times. →
2011–2021
Cologne Sessions is a party I co-founded with my friends Magnus and Mitch in 2011. I art directed and designed the visual identity, including the monthly posters.
Cologne Sessions is a party I co-founded with my friends Magnus and Mitch in 2011. I art directed and designed the visual identity, including the monthly posters. →
2017–2019
Bilderbuch is one of the most successful German-language bands of the decade. I art directed and designed the overall visual identity for the Magic Life album, including all single covers, tour posters, merchandise and a custom typeface.
Bilderbuch is one of the most successful German-language bands of the decade. I art directed and designed the overall visual identity for the Magic Life album, including all single covers, tour posters, merchandise and a custom typeface. →
2011
I built an extensive visual identity for PIQTO United, the local football club I founded. I wanted to visualize true team spirit with individual hand-made jerseys that come together into a collective form once the group is united.
I built an extensive visual identity for PIQTO United, the local football club I founded. I wanted to visualize true team spirit with individual hand-made jerseys that come together into a collective form once the group is united. →
Thank you.
Each week I write about how to do The Thing while navigating today’s world as a Modern Maker.
Visit Substack →Index
2026
Writing First Book
Books, Publishing
Do The Thing will be my first book: a battle-tested framework and no-bullshit guide to help you find, start, focus, cultivate, and ultimately ship your Thing. (more info)
2026
presentOS App
Art Direction, Website Design & Development, Publishing
A multidimensional support system for Modern Makers. I designed and built presentOS, a platform that brings together everything from the PRESENT universe and its growing ecosystem, now available in the App Store.
2025
Forward Festival Main Stage
Speaking
“Making Better Mistakes: Journey to PRESENT” was about the most important steps on my journey from childhood to today, the hardships and lessons along the way that guided me toward finding my path and my life’s work.
2024
Mugler Rebranding
Visual Identity & Logos
I refined the logo wordmark and drew a new star for the legendary Paris fashion house Mugler.
2024
Present People Podcast
Publishing, Speaking
On my podcast, I speak with Modern Makers from all over the world about creativity, psychology, and doing The Thing.
2023
PRESENT Issue 3
Art Direction, Magazines, Publishing
PRESENT Issue 3: Reboot. From sculptors to chefs, fashion designers to economists, the contributors are united in sharing their stories through exclusive essays and interviews across 300 pages in the new PRESENT Issue.
2023
LỰU ĐẠN
Art Direction, Visual Identity & Logos, Website Design & Development
A complete identity I created for LỰU ĐẠN, Kwaidan Editions’ Hung La’s new fashion, spanning art direction, logo design, spirit animal graphics and the e-commerce website. Design support by Sarah Discours.
2023
Forward Festival
Speaking
My talk for Forward Festival at HKW Berlin, about finding your Thing through Ikigai.
2022
Newfoundation
Art Direction, Visual Identity & Logos, Website Design & Development
I led the art direction, design and development of the visual identities, websites, applications and UI/UX of the Newfoundation ecosystem, including the newOS application, Newforum podcast and Newcoin protocol, a decentralized, blockchain-based toolset for creators.
2022
Salomon Rebranding
Art Direction, Visual Identity & Logos
The new official logo for one of the world’s leading outdoor brands. I designed it in collaboration with David Benedek, Ricardo Ferrol, and the team at Salomon in Annecy, France. It made its debut at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Additionally, I designed the logos for the sub-brands Salomon Advanced and S/LAB.
2021
BetterTogether Charity
Visual Identity & Logos, Website Design & Development, Life
BetterTogether is a platform for creativity and charity that I made together with my sister Marina Hoppmann.
2021
Original Feelings
Visual Identity & Logos, Website Design & Development
I designed the visual identity and website for Original Feelings yoga studio, in collaboration with Sarah Discours.
2021
PRESENT Issue 2
Art Direction, Magazines, Publishing
PRESENT Issue 2, which I carried from publishing through creative direction, design and editing. Associate Art Director: Sarah Discours.
2021
Tom Król Posters
Posters
I designed posters for artist Tom Król’s exhibition at Ungefähr5 in Cologne.
2021
HiPeople
Visual Identity & Logos
A complete brand and web presence for HiPeople, where I handled art direction, visual identity and website design and development.
2020–2021
Apple
Art Direction, Design, Research
Apple hired me to consult and design across multiple projects, including iPad, Watch, and the iPhone Pro, where I worked across campaign and hardware art direction, including wallpaper research and design.
2020
Lecture at ECAL
Speaking
Returning to my old university to give a talk at ECAL, Switzerland.
2019
Adidas Paul Pogba
Art Direction, Website Design & Development
I art directed and designed the campaign for Paul Pogba’s new capsule collection for Adidas , shot in the catacombs of a stadium in Manchester, UK, spanning concept, art direction and graphic design.
2019
Colors x Studios
Art Direction, Visual Identity & Logos
I created a visual identity with a custom typeface for COLORS, the global music platform focused on promoting the most distinctive new artists and original sounds, with over 8 million subscribers. Design support by Sarah Discours. Special thanks to Steve Legrand and Philipp Starcke.
2019–2025
Mugler
Art Direction, Website Design & Development
For Mugler Paris, I redesigned the visual identity and refined the official wordmark, logos, and iconic star, commissioned by creative director Casey Cadwallader. I also designed and developed the e-commerce website and created packaging, patterns, invitations, and lookbook designs for the shows over the past years.
2019
PRESENT Issue 1
Art Direction, Magazines, Publishing
PRESENT Issue 1, which I carried from publishing through creative direction, design and editing. Associate Art Director: Sarah Discours.
2019
OFFF Barcelona
Speaking
A presentation at OFFF in Barcelona, as part of my appointment as Kickstarter’s Global Thought Leader. Shout-outs to Christoph Nagel, Sarah Discours, David Carson and James Victore.
2018
Annenmaykantereit
Art Direction, Visual Identity & Logos, Posters, Type Design, Covers
I built a full visual world for Annenmaykantereit: art direction, visual identity, a custom typeface, campaign and record covers.
2018
A·P·R· 005
Art Direction, Covers
Record design for A•P•R• 005
2018
Bonaparte
Art Direction, Covers, Posters
I created a visual identity for Bonaparte that ran across campaign design and record designs.
2018–2021
Leorosa
Visual Identity & Logos, Website Design & Development
A full brand and online presence for Leorosa, where I built the visual identity, art direction and e-commerce website design and development. Special thanks to Paolina Leccese and Julian Taffel.
2018
Shoe for Nike
Shoe Design, Strategy, Art Direction
Concept and design development for a Berlin-themed Nike Air Max. I was approached by Nike with a shoe concept based on the question: what makes Berlin truly unique to you?
2018
Pollerwiesen
Visual Identity & Logos, Posters
I did the graphic design for the Pollerwiesen festival.
2018
Present Products
PRESENT is a platform for collaboration. With each issue I collaborate with a maker I love to release a product, and I document the whole process.
2018
Robert Grunenberg Gallery
Visual Identity & Logos, Website Design & Development
I created a visual identity for Robert Grunenberg Berlin and extended it into a website.
2018
Wunderkind
Visual Identity & Logos, Art Direction
I gave Wunderkind a new visual identity and art direction for its rebirth: originally founded by Wolfgang Joop, now designed by Louise Friedlaender. Photography by Larissa Hofmann, Styling by Marc Goehring, Model Lera Abova.
2018
ZERO Foundation
Visual Identity & Logos, Books, Posters, Website Design & Development, Art Direction
I designed a visual identity for ZERO Foundation, the legendary artist group founded in Düsseldorf by Heinz Mack, Otto Piene and Günther Uecker in the 1950s, carrying it across books, posters and a website. Design support by Philipp Engel.
2017
Dillon
Website Design & Development, Art Direction
I designed and developed a website for the singer Dillon.
2017–2019
Bilderbuch
Art Direction, Visual Identity & Logos, Type Design, Covers, Posters
Bilderbuch is one of the most successful German-language bands of the decade. I art directed and designed the overall visual identity for the Magic Life album, including all single covers, tour posters, merchandise and a custom typeface.
2017
Louise Friedlaender
Visual Identity & Logos, Art Direction
A visual identity and art direction I created for fashion brand Louise Friedlaender.
2017
DJ Stingray, CS Posters
Posters
I designed Cologne Sessions posters for DJ Stingray and more monthly parties.
2017
Bilderbuch
Website Design & Development
I handled the overall visual identity for the MAGIC LIFE album by BILDERBUCH, from art direction through to design. (2017-2019)
2017
Samson Young Book
Art Direction, Books
A Dark Theme Keeps Me Here, I’ll Make a Broken Music. I art directed the book for the first institutional solo exhibition of the Hong Kong artist Samson Young (*1979) in Germany and Europe, for Kunsthalle Düsseldorf.
2017
A·P·R· 004
Art Direction, Type Design, Covers
I designed the Vertical Garden EP (A•P•R• 004) for Aroma Pitch, with a custom typeface.
2017–2020
District Vision
Visual Identity & Logos, Website Design & Development, Books, Posters
I made a run of work for District Vision, the running brand and wellness collective based in Los Angeles, spanning graphic design and branding across multiple projects, including the Beyond Jogging book. Hand drawings by Filip Pagowski.
2016
Apple Soho Lecture
Speaking
I gave a lecture at Apple Soho.
2016
Friday Nights at Studio672
Posters
A poster I designed for Friday Nights at Studio672.
2016
Nike New York Pioneer Club
Visual Identity & Logos
I reenacted the logo for the New York Pioneer Club, made for Nike with District Vision.
2016
Paradis Typeface
Type Design
I drew Paradis, a serif typeface, in NYC, later used for Bilderbuch’s Magic Life covers, posters and merch.
2016–
PRESENT
Art Direction, Publishing, Life
I founded PRESENT in New York in 2016. It’s my publishing project and global community, and the word, with all its meanings, forms the pillars of the project. I build tools to support Modern Makers: the print magazine, the digital platform, in-depth podcasts, and regular workshops.
2016
TEXTURE Detroit
Type Design, Visual Identity & Logos, Posters
I designed posters for TEXTURE techno and house parties in Detroit, USA.
2016
A·P·R· 003
Art Direction, Visual Identity & Logos, Covers
Vinyl record design A•P•R• 003, Present From A Small Distant World
2016
St. Regis
Visual Identity & Logos
With our team at 2x4, we worked on the visual identity of St. Regis hotels. I also designed a pattern used across multiple applications.
2016
Sies Marjan
Visual Identity & Logos
I designed the visual identity for New York based Sies Marjan, led by former Dries Van Noten head of design Sander Lak: custom type logo, label design, invites and printed matter, and the website. With and for 2x4, New York. Art Direction by Ryan Weafer, Photography by Bruce Weber. “The Sies Marjan show was NYFW’s most buzzed-about debut,” The New York Times.
2016
ZIGN
Visual Identity & Logos
I designed a visual identity for ZIGN.
2016
Fondazione Prada
Art Direction, Books
With my team at 2x4 in New York, I worked on the visual identity, the Quaderni magazines, and signage for the opening of Fondazione Prada, Milan.
2015
Prada
Art Direction
I worked on various Prada projects with and for 2x4 in NYC, including research, books, and the monthly wallpaper for the Prada store in NYC, which the whole team worked on regularly.
2015
Miu Miu Aoyama
Visual Identity & Logos
For the opening of the new Miu Miu store in Aoyama, Tokyo, I carried the visual identity across invitations and packaging. With and for 2x4 in NYC.
2015
ADC Young Gun Award
Life
I was awarded ADC Young Gun by the Art Directors Club in NYC, where my work was exhibited. Young Guns is a competition for creative professionals 30 years of age or under that has grown to become one of the most coveted accolades in the global creative community.
2015
Joining 2x4 in New York City
Life
I was hired by 2x4 Inc. in NYC and worked as a full-time designer for clients including Prada, Miu Miu, Hyundai, St. Regis, and Sies Marjan.
2014
Finery London
Visual Identity & Logos
I designed the visual identity of Finery London, built using my V.U.C.A. typeface.
2014
BÖWER
Posters, Art Direction
I art directed a catalogue and poster for the manufacturer BÖWER, presenting their products and celebrating the company’s 150th anniversary. I developed a large poster with a special fold. Photography by Tillmann Franzen, thanks to Eric Degenhardt.
2014
Brachum Kunstpreis
Visual Identity & Logos
I designed the visual identity and website for the Brachum Kunstpreis.
2014
Carhartt Book
Books
I designed the Carhartt book Moving Mountains with Alexander Basile.
2014
ComeTogether Festival
Posters, Books
I designed an oversized screen-printed poster/magazine for the anniversary of ComeTogether Festival.
2014
GQ Italia Redesign
Art Direction, Type Design, Magazines, Covers
I redesigned GQ Italia, with and for Meiré und Meiré.
2013
Kunststiftung NRW
Visual Identity & Logos, Posters
I designed 25 posters for 25 museums in 25 cities, plus the visual identity, for Kunststiftung NRW’s 25th anniversary project.
2013
Anarchive
Books, Posters, Art Direction
I designed the poster and book for artist Béla Pablo Janssen.
2013
Alexander Basile
Art Direction, Books, Covers
I designed the book for Alexander Basile: Emerging Sculptures.
2013
MOFF Magazine
Magazines, Art Direction, Covers
I art directed and designed Issue 9 of MOFF Magazine.
2013
EIN DU Book
Books, Covers
I designed the book for artists Dennis Freischlad and Béla Pablo Janssen.
2012
Video for AIGA Chicago
Publishing
I created a commissioned video portrait for AIGA Chicago.
2012
Interview Magazine Germany
Magazines
I carried the first issues of Interview Magazine Germany through editorial and graphic design, with and for Meiré und Meiré.
2012
DJing, Foundation of Alaaf and Kickin'
Life
I co-founded the Alaaf and Kickin’ DJ collective and started taking playing more seriously, with residencies at Cologne Sessions and Sixpack.
2011
NZZ Neue Zürcher Zeitung
Magazines
I created a new identity for Neue Zürcher Zeitung: Equity, carried through its logo and editorial design, with and for Meiré und Meiré.
2011
Brandeins Cover
Covers, Art Direction, Magazines
I designed this cover for the business magazine Brandeins, with and for Meiré und Meiré.
2011
Designer at Meiré und Meiré
Life
In 2011 I started my first real full-time job, as a designer at Meiré und Meiré in Cologne, working closely with Tim Giesen and Mike Meiré, who became my mentors.
2011–2021
Cologne Sessions
Art Direction, Visual Identity & Logos
Cologne Sessions is a party I co-founded with my friends Magnus and Mitch in 2011. I art directed and designed the visual identity, including the monthly posters.
2011
Graduated from ECAL
Life
I graduated from ECAL in 2011, from the Visual Communication and Graphic Design program, with a Bachelor of Arts.
2011
PIQTO United
Visual Identity & Logos, Art Direction
I built an extensive visual identity for PIQTO United, the local football club I founded. I wanted to visualize true team spirit with individual hand-made jerseys that come together into a collective form once the group is united.
2011
Better Mjstakes Vol. III
Magazines, Art Direction, Publishing
A journey into art direction and interview design in magazines, featuring Kai von Rabenau, Mirko Borsche, Tim Giesen, Christoph Pracht, Veronica Ditting and Emmanuel Crivelli, all of whom I interviewed.
2010
032c Website
Website Design & Development
After I interviewed 032c founder Joerg Koch for my own magazine, Better Mjstakes, the conversation turned into a job, and I built 032c’s first website in Berlin.
2010–2021
Aroma Pitch
Art Direction, Covers
Over the span of 10 years I designed artworks for techno trio Aroma Pitch, recently published by Public Possession. For their live show at HÖR I designed and screenprinted a limited AP x PRESENT uniform.
2010
Better Mjstakes Vol. II
Publishing, Art Direction, Magazines
For this issue I built the whole thing around one deep conversation with Mike Meiré.
2009
Internship at Bureau Borsche
Life
During my studies I worked for Mirko Borsche in the Munich office. It was an amazing time! This photo is from our desk at that time. Monocle put it on their cover after they visited to feature Bureau Borsche.
2009
Better Mjstakes Vol. I
Art Direction, Magazines, Publishing, Covers
A magazine I made in collaboration with Johannes Breyer, set entirely in V.U.C.A. Grotesque. “We want this platform to be understood as a rising collection of thoughts and talks; a processual protocol of our growth as young designers inevitably: modern romantics.”
2009
V.U.C.A. Typeface
Type Design
I drew the V.U.C.A. typeface while studying at ECAL in 2009: Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous. This plaque is an artwork built from it.
2008
Grace Jones Typeface
Type Design
A visual identity and typeface I built around one of my heroes, the Jamaican singer and actress Grace Jones, while studying at ECAL.
2008
Illustrations
Posters
I drew various portraits of personal heroes, including a DJ Funk portrait that ended up as a PIQTO shirt.
2008
Grace Jones Stroke
Type Design
The first version of my typeface inspired by Grace Jones. All letters in one stroke. Made at ECAL.
2008
Grace Jones Identity
Visual Identity & Logos
A visual identity project on singer, actress and legend Grace Jones. I produced two booklets containing the research together with the experiments, final logos and typefaces I created. Made at ECAL. This eventually became the symbol of my portfolio.
2008
Super Paper
Visual Identity & Logos, Magazines
I designed a logo for a Munich city magazine. With and for Bureau Borsche.
2007
Filzmoos Typeface
Visual Identity & Logos, Type Design
In 2007 I designed a visual identity for Schneefreizeit Filzmoos, built on a custom typeface I drew and extended into merch.
2006
Visiting Adrian Frutiger’s Home
Life
Visiting my personal hero Adrian Frutiger’s house in Bern, Switzerland.
2005
Kaviva Typeface
Type Design
One of my earliest typefaces.
2005
PIQTO Visual Identity
Art Direction, Visual Identity & Logos, Publishing
I created the visual identity for my own apparel brand, PIQTO Clothing, spanning graphic design, websites and lookbooks.
2005
Foundation of PIQTO Clothing
Life
In 2005 I founded my own clothing label, PIQTO, inspired by my love for Brazil and design.
2005
Vatos Cologne
Visual Identity & Logos, Website Design & Development
Vatos Cologne
2004
Early Wordmark
Visual Identity & Logos, Type Design
An early wordmark I drew during my first experimental years in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
2004
Herrliches Script
Type Design
Herrliches Script was one of my earliest typefaces, built in FontLab. It has over 85k downloads on dafont.com and has been used by various international brands.
2004
First Website
Website Design & Development
My first portfolio website, launched in January 2004.
2004
World Cup 2006 Poster
Posters
This was my official entry for FIFA’s World Cup poster competition.
2004
Counter-Strike Designs
Visual Identity & Logos
My first steps with cracked versions of Photoshop went directly into custom designs to spray-paint across Counter-Strike online matches.
1996
Fortuna Köln
Life
Young me, happy in the rain, playing for SC Fortuna Köln from 1996 to 2003. The love for the sport never died.
1992
Chicago Bulls
Life
At some point I started drawing hundreds of Chicago Bulls logos as a kid: first logo love!
1988
Born in Cologne
Life
My parents turning all sorts of challenges in life into something positive and productive is my biggest inspiration, and the base of my work and how I choose to go through life.