Hi, my name is Michelle Thomsen. I am an award winning graphic designer, illustrator and fine artist. I live in beautiful Colorado and draw inspiration from the nature around me. Besides design I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring the great outdoors, running half marathons (hopefully competing in triathlons soon), rock climbing, yoga, reading good books, playing acoustic guitar, discovering new music and painting and drawing.

I believe design is vital to a company's success, and is capable of making a difference in the world. As Tolstoy said, "Art should cause violence to be set aside." Designers like Gotz Gramlich are my heroes. His "Hope for Sichuan" poster truly changed my view of graphic design. Ai Wei Wei, a rebel artist living and working in China also inspires me with his willingness to challenge the culture around him. As a designer I create brilliant designs for a more beautiful world. I believe good design is clear and powerful, delivering its message abstractly or concretely; however, its form should always follow its function. With every design and illustration I create I strive for excellence, clarity, and brilliance. My motto is to think outside the box to create designs that are unique and stand out from the crowd.

Currently I am learning Figma, increasing my skills in digital illustration, and want to learn motion graphics with After Effects in the near future.

You can view some of my art here on my website.

AWARDS INCLUDE:

2024 Colorado Press Association Awards Better News Media Contest:

• First Place: Best Advertising Campaign, Pot O’ Gold Kustoms, “Klassy Karmen”

• First Place: Best Advertising Special Section, Education Guide 2024

• First Place: Best Print Ad, Louie’s Pizza, Halloween

• Second Place: Best Print Ad, Tick Tock Shop

2023 Colorado Press Association Awards Better News Media Contest:

• Second Place: Best Print Ad, The Property Group, “Home for the Holidays”