Mike Heighway /

/ Art Director

001
Overview

I am an art director and designer specializing in visual systems, typography and brand identities.

I adopt a systems-based approach to design, delivering clear, scalable solutions to complex problems.
My work spans a diverse range of applications, including web, motion, environmental, print and type design.
002
Select Work

The Hypospace of Japanese Architecture

Art Direction / Book Design / Lettering
2024
View Project
01

Cubic Design System

Design Direction / Design System
2022
View Project
02

SketchUp

Art Direction / Brand Identity / Brand Design
2020
View Project
03

Terra & Luna Design System

Art Direction / Design System
2020
View Project
04
003
Manifesto

My design process is organized around five key principles:

No. 01
Craft matters.
Design is built from details that come together to form a greater whole.
No. 02
Identify the opportunity.
Designers must first fully understand the problem they are solving.
No. 03
Clearly define the concept.
Design should be logical, with a clear “parti pris,” or “decision taken.”
No. 04
Explore the possibilities.
Iterate on the design to refine and achieve a strong solution.
No. 05
Enjoy the process.
Find pleasure in the journey.
Design is both a rigorous intellectual process and an exercise in abstract thinking. It is iterative in nature and demands restraint. Great design distills an idea down to its essential elements so that the solution appears effortless and it conveys a clear, unified concept.
004
Experience

I am a designer with 14 years of experience working for respected brands. My design work spans multiple disciplines. I have a strong record of building and leading high-performing, in-house teams.

Clients

  • Apple
  • Fujifilm
  • HP
  • SketchUp
  • Trimble
  • General Assembly
  • SketchDeck
  • Ping Identity
  • Maxon (Cinema 4D)

Skills

  • Art/Creative Direction
  • Design Systems
  • Visual Brand Systems
  • Brand Identity
  • Style Guides
  • Digital
  • Print
  • Motion
  • Typography
  • Type Design
  • Lettering

Technical

  • Figma
  • Photoshop
  • Illustrator
  • InDesign
  • After Effects
  • Robofont
  • Glyphs
  • Webflow
  • HTML/CSS
  • Fujifilm Camera Systems

Mike Heighway /

/ Art Director

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Last Updated on: December 12, 2024
All Content © 2012–2025 Mike Heighway
Craft matters.