alex

Alex Miskin: 
Beyond the Portfolio

Who am I?
My name is Alex Miskin and I'm a Brand & Visual Communication Designer from Odesa, Ukraine, with 20+ years of experience. 
Where am I based?
Currently living in Erlangen, Germany.
What do I do?
Main areas of focus:
  • Brand Design
  • Visual Identity Design
  • Editorial Design
  • Print Design

Additional areas:
  • Exhibition Design
  • Packaging
  • Advertising
  • Infographic
  • Digital Design

Experience
2000 – Discovered graphic design
2002 – Started working on my first commercial projects
2006 – Joined an advertising agency
2009 – Became a full-time freelance designer
Work Principles
I strive for simple and elegant solutions, clarity, and legibility — with a strong preference for minimalist and modernist aesthetics. Typography plays a key role in my work. I follow the principles:
 
  • Form follows Function
  • Content is King
  • Less is More.
How I Work
  • I prefer working with long-term clients and building solid relationships over time.
  • I usually work independently, but can integrate into a team when needed.
  • I like to stay in control of the entire process, from concept to final delivery.
  • I enjoy diverse, unconventional projects, though I’m not afraid of routine.
  • I believe the client isn’t always right — but the designer isn’t either.
  • I tend toward perfectionism, though I’m learning to dial it down.
Notable Clients
Cryoin Engineering (2014—now)
Produces and supplies noble gases such as ultra-pure Neon, Neon Isotopes, Helium, Xenon, and Krypton worldwide
.

Shanti (2010—now)
Ayurvedic spa center with a unique concept to promote body and soul through the five senses
.

Lighter than Air (2014—2022)
Event design agency specializing in decoration, photo zones, installations, aerodesign, and floristry
.
Brings Istanbul's women's history to life through the stories of pioneering women
.

Istanbul Gender Museum (2022—now)
Explores gender roles and inclusion through physical and virtual exhibitions
.

DSD Program – Fachberatung Odessa (2006—2019)
The German Language Diploma (DSD) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany is the only school-based program for German as a foreign language abroad.

KulturKontakt Austria – Project Office Ukraine (2009—2019)
Supports educational exchange and reforms in Eastern Europe
.

OEAD – Cooperation Office Odessa (2021—2022)
Non-profit organization acting on behalf of the Austrian Ministry of Education
.

Naturally Kids (2017—now)
Makes safe and playful children's products like backpacks, toys, and plush animals
.

need-a-bike (2011—2018)
Bike rental service with a passion for everything cycling-related
.
Influences
  • Philippe Apeloig
  • Neville Brody
  • David Carson
  • Wim Crouwel
  • David Lynch
  • Paul Rand
  • Stefan Sagmeister
  • Peter Saville
  • Erik Spiekermann
  • Wolfgang Tillmans
Education
I’m a self-taught designer who prefers learning through hands-on experience. I earned a PhD in Biotechnology before fully committing to my design career. Over the years, I’ve continued developing my skills through practical work, online resources, and books — solving real client problems.
Why Design?
For the first 20 years of my life, I was mostly interested in music and literature, and far from anything digital. In 1999, I bought my first computer — and everything changed. I discovered graphic design and realized it was exactly what I had been looking for.
Beyond Design
In my spare time, I enjoy street photography, meditation, running, and playing guitar. But most of all, I love doing nothing.
5 Quick Facts About Me
  1. Got into design experimenting with Photoshop 5.5 during the dial-up era.
  2. Learned to ride a bike at 23.
  3. Holds a PhD in Biotechnology.
  4. Loves peanut butter.
  5. A natural night owl.