about me

My skill set is broad and ranges from creating initial concept sketches, user flows and prototypes to final visual design.
In addition to web design, I also enjoy designing brand identity and advertising projects for a multitude of clients, from non-profits like The Tech Interactive to global brands like Apple, Autodesk, and Hewlett Packard to publishing organizations such as O’Reilly Media and National Geographic.

Image of Michael Kohnke Graphic Designer on San Jose hilltop

I'm an optimist and all-round design aficionado who keeps up with the latest industry developments, and I always remain eager to learn new trades. I love solving just about any type of creative problem, it's as simple as that. Work aside, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my family, hiking mountains, and exploring cities and historical sites.

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My Mission

Make creative organizations work better by building frameworks that help designers do great work, mentoring teams, and making the creative process productive and enjoyable for everyone.

My Values

I value collaboration and good craft. I like asking questions, challenging assumptions, and working with people to find better ideas. Most of all, I believe good work comes from people who care about what they make and enjoy making it together.

UX design

I create flow diagrams, wireframes, and prototypes to define the best possible product user flows, functionality, features, and information delivery. These are the foundations and structures needed to present products well. TOOLS: Index cards and sticky-pads, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe XD, Figma and InVision.

Michael Kohnke interface design

UI design

My focus is turning complex software and device experiences into clear, intuitive interfaces. I design layouts and interactive states that make products easy to understand and use while staying true to the brand. I also show how UI elements respond to user interactions, helping teams see the experience beyond static screens. TOOLS: Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe XD, Figma.

Branding & Identity

Successful organizations make great first impressions and encourage repeat customers through branding and identity. I have helped build and strengthened brands and identities for over thirty years. The objective is always to create world class design, media, and strategy, and to be driven to use creativity and influence to change the world and impact culture. TOOLS: Notepads, Adobe Creative Suite.

Michael Kohnke interface design

Graphic design

With years of experience, I deliver extensive, quality work while making every deadline. I visualize text and imagery concepts, either by hand or using the Adobe Creative Suite. And every project is a mission to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. TOOLS: Paper and pens, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe XD, InDesign, WordPress, Stensul.

Michael Kohnke graphic design and consulting

Consultation

I have directed and consulted on a wide range of layout and production design projects, including advertising, print media, information design, corporate events, web sites, and mobile apps. Helping teams realize and accomplish their goals leads to inspiring collaboration. It all starts by solving complex design problems. Five minutes or five months, any project is worth a talk.

Network

While I do know my fair share of HTML, CSS and all the possibilities of Javascript, I can’t build or code products myself. That’s why I rely on a strong network of developers and creatives who can get the job done, perfectly and beautifully.