R. MICHAEL HENDRIX
R. Michael Hendrix is an American graphic designer, author and musician. These selections span a 25 year career and are primarily self directed, either as collaborations, personal projects or promotions.
I am obsessed with demystifying and celebrating the innovative potential of design. As a Partner and executive at IDEO I helped teams and clients unlock their creativity for everything from home goods to homeland security. As an Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music and lecturer at Bifröst University I have taught students how to transfer their artistic virtuosity to entrepreneurial behaviors.
To me, no matter the creative endeavor, the underlying process and mindsets are the same. When you understand how creativity works you can consistently create conditions for innovation and excellence. This perspective led to writing my 2021 book, “Two Beats Ahead,” with Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy and the GRAMMYs. In it we celebrate the shared creative mindsets of well known and emerging artists, producers, designers and entrepreneurs.
My deep skill is seeing what is essential and unique about a person, organization, situation or brand. I live for the revelation moment when people see themselves or feel seen. It motivates me as a creative leader, consultant and teacher. Whether it’s unlocking originality, finding core purpose or defining unmet needs, it’s about getting to the heart of the matter.
As a graphic designer, I love the mark of tools and the tactile reminders of imperfections and iterations. This means my favorite work is more messy than fussy. I’m interested in personality, culture and play. If a visually refined approach is necessary I’ll still find ways to unearth the quirkiness of the composition. It’s about amplifying the unique character of what is there.
To me, no matter the creative endeavor, the underlying process and mindsets are the same. When you understand how creativity works you can consistently create conditions for innovation and excellence. This perspective led to writing my 2021 book, “Two Beats Ahead,” with Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy and the GRAMMYs. In it we celebrate the shared creative mindsets of well known and emerging artists, producers, designers and entrepreneurs.
My deep skill is seeing what is essential and unique about a person, organization, situation or brand. I live for the revelation moment when people see themselves or feel seen. It motivates me as a creative leader, consultant and teacher. Whether it’s unlocking originality, finding core purpose or defining unmet needs, it’s about getting to the heart of the matter.
As a graphic designer, I love the mark of tools and the tactile reminders of imperfections and iterations. This means my favorite work is more messy than fussy. I’m interested in personality, culture and play. If a visually refined approach is necessary I’ll still find ways to unearth the quirkiness of the composition. It’s about amplifying the unique character of what is there.