Michiel Schuurman

Hacking the color palette and challenging the norms of design.

Michiel Schuurman graduated from the renowned graphic design department of Amsterdam’s Gerrit Rietveld Academie in 2002. As a graphic artist, he specializes in typography, pattern and poster design, embracing a fearless and bold approach.

Schuurman’s career soared post-graduation with his remarkable poster designs that blend dimensions and challenge norms, creating striking typographic art. Hacking the prismatic colour wheel, Schuurman creates new colour schemes that have strong references to pop-culture – cartoons, graffiti and skateboarding. Often screen-printed by himself, these graphics created a strong fan base for Schuurman. His designs are in public collections, including Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum, and featured in Wired and De Volkskrant.

Unsurprisingly, in 2012 Schuurman was asked to contribute as a textile designer for the legendary Dutch wax fabric company Vlisco – known for their intricate prints. Rather than working from their heritage, Schuurman applied his pattern-skills to create abstract and radically new designs for the company. With success – his prints are being worn across the world.

Currently, Schuurman is interested in applying his skills in the third dimension – ranging from collaborations in exhibition design to fashion to concrete tiles.

MICHIEL WILL SPEAK AT THE FORWARD FESTIVAL Amsterdam in May. NEXT TO HIM, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HEAR CREATIVES LIKE Team Thursday, Soyun Park, Stephanie Specht AND MANY MORE.