Michiel Schuurman studied graphic and typographical design at the Koninklijke Academie voor Beeldende Kunsten in Den Haag, before moving to the Rietveld Academy – where he graduated in 2002. After his studies, Schuurman worked together with Floor Wesseling in studio IXOPUSADA. In 2005 he decided to go solo to develop his own style. A style that is hard to ignore and one that we would describe as “highly contrasting colourful typographical eye-benders”. Schuurman is known for constantly experimenting with different shapes, colours and techniques, likes to screen print his designs himself, and is of the opinion that every starting designer should have at least one client that provides the complete freedom to develop a unique style.
What made you become a designer?
I blame Lego, grafitti and skateboarding for it.
What do you like about designing posters?
Posters are the ultimate two-dimensional challenge. You have to be a communicator and storyteller and you have only one shot. It is the closest to making a drawing.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Mathematical patterns in nature. How sparrows swarm, how the waves in water are created, how light breaks, colourful birds and fish. Oh and al my colleagues, of course.
What makes a poster a good poster?
A poster has to surprise you. It should stop you on your daily bike ride through the city and invite you to find out what’s it’s all about. The colours are most important; they have to be aggressive and in contrast with each other as well as their surroundings. Colours can have the same impact as music.
What are your favourite (series of) posters – done by someone else?
In amsterdam:
-Harmen Liemburg’s portfolio
-Pinar and Viola’s portfolio
-All Paradiso posters untill the half of the 90’s
Which designer do you admire and why?
Paul Rand would be a good example of an artist who would have the courage to play with his own creations en plein public while still being an excellent bussiness-man.
What’s the most exciting design project you ever worked on?
Everything I design for the Service Garage art space.
What design project are you currently working on?
Today I’m gonna start with a poster for a show in Chaumont, France.
