The tradition of actively involving the NIKIN in our products and designs continues. Also at this year's Crowd design competition again this year, we were delighted with numerous creative ideas - the winner was Sophia, who not only put her own signature on our TreeShirts but also a message that fits perfectly with NIKIN : Get out, take a deep breath, take a look - and feel nature more again.
When ideas take root
Anyone who has ever been part of a NIKIN Crowd Design competition knows that it's about more than just beautiful designs. With the competition, we give the community the chance to help shape our products and select designs that suit NIKIN , but also appeal to our community. Out of 250 participants in this year's competition, one particularly inspired us: Sophia Hultschgraphic designer and illustrator. She is this year's winner and has managed to have two of her designs immortalized on shirts. The TreeShirts "Connected by Nature" and "See You Outside" tell a story of nature, inspiration and real craftsmanship.
Between Munich and Aargau
Sophia is not only a designer, but above all a passionate illustrator. Having grown up in Oberentfelden in the canton of Aargau and now living in Munich, she lives between everyday urban life and her Alpine homeland. She works in a small creative agency, teaches at her former university and finds her balance in nature - hiking, cycling or drawing. For Sophia, creative work is more than just a job: "It's a way of discovering and interpreting the world. The process is particularly important to me - from the first stroke to the finished picture."
How sketches became nature messages
It was no coincidence that she took part in the NIKIN competition. A friend drew her attention to the project - and Sophia was immediately involved. NIKIN 's values, such as sustainability, closeness to nature and creative thinking, coincide with her own convictions. So she quickly picked up her sketchbook and gave free rein to her thoughts. For Sophia, the start of every idea is always analog - with pen and paper. The sketches are then digitized, whereby she attaches great importance to retaining the hand-drawn look.
The two designs that she entered into the race for the Crowd Design title have in common that they rely on soft natural colors and convey closeness, tranquility and a connection to nature. "Connected by Nature" shows two connected flowers - a symbol of the deep connection between people and nature. Sophia sees "See You Outside" as an invitation to escape everyday life and create shared experiences outside. Being part of the NIKIN and having two of her designs immortalized is a special honour for Sophia.
Creative retreat between camper expansion and city hustle and bustle
However, Sophia's artistic journey is not only accompanied by nature. Although she lives in the middle of the big city of Munich, she is always drawn out into the countryside - be it to the English Garden or on visits to her old home. Places with trees, silence and space are creative retreats for her. She is currently embarking on a new adventure with her boyfriend: they are converting a van into a camper van. The prospect of traveling, nature and creative time-outs on the road brings her two passions together - design and being outdoors. Her wish is fitting: "I want to inspire people with my designs to spend more time outside and to look more consciously at what surrounds us."
If you would like to find out more about our crowd design competitions or even take part yourself - keep an eye on our channels or send your design tonikin. Who knows, maybe your design will soon adorn one of our products.
