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
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
.
Women's Museum Istanbul (2011—2022)
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
- Got into design experimenting with Photoshop 5.5 during the dial-up era.
- Learned to ride a bike at 23.
- Holds a PhD in Biotechnology.
- Loves peanut butter.
- A natural night owl.