Nikolaus Hema

Master of Design

Nikolaus Hema is a Communication designer and a current Master of Design Student with a passion for 2D/3D Illustration, publication, UI/UX, graphics and web design. Prioritizing his client's needs and project deadlines leading him to crafting compelling design communications with human-centered and codesign approaches in mind.

Nik has well-developed skills using the Adobe programs Indesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Illustrator. Over the years of studying, Nik has developed skills and appreciation of design methodology which have rapidly improved his thinking to an industry level with an extreme passion in what he does.

Nik services clients working on projects that involve conceptual thinking, creative problem-solving, codesigning with research groups/customers and communication imperatives. Nik has undertaken a variety of design projects that have contributed to his growth as a motivated and open-minded designer that works great in both team and individual based environments.

Completing a Bachelor's degree of Communication design, Diploma of design and a Cert in Multi-media from Swinburne University, and currently a multidisciplinary design freelancer, Nik is seeking full-time employment in a studio with a focus on Communication & UI/UX design. In his spare time, Nik enjoys creating digital illustrations, tattooing, fitness training, photography and spending time with family and friends.

Shoe illustration- Passion project, representing archeology and the visual studies of butterflies

Paris - Digital illustration, combining both a modern and traditional approach of illustrating by adding pop culture elements and stylistic techniques.

The Animal In Me- Codesign activity consisting of 20 cards that asks a simple question to a participant, “what animal do you identify with.”

Solemn Travels- A visual novel trailing the events of a mythical being that roams the vast landscapes to find a friend.

Soulsonic – Logo design commission, embodying a classic, fun, and funky feel that represents a groovy nature that the company wants to visualise.

Acknowledgement of Country

The School of Design and Architecture respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and knowledge-keepers of the lands, waters and sky that surround us, where we work, learn, create, communicate and make place. We recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded and this always was and will always be Wurundjeri Country. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who continue to make a better world through design.

We extend our acknowledgement to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students, alumni, real-life clients, and knowledge keepers, who have contributed to our own education diversity and growth. We will continue to ensure that staff and students respectfully honour ancestral connection to Country and Place in everything that they do.

We are dedicated to the notion of design to make a better world and we acknowledge that making tools, shaping place, sharing stories, making meaning, wayfinding and collaborating have long been and continue to be both central and integral to First Peoples' cultures. We recognize that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultural contributions have continued relevance to design practice and commit to: reconciling ancestries of design and contemporary practice as well as pursuing culturally and professionally appropriate ways to engage with a diverse population of colleagues, industries and clients. In a time of treaty-making and voice we understand that there are overlaps between caring for Country and the sustainable production of goods, services, experiences, products and buildings.

Guided by the principles of respect, reconciliation, and reciprocity we undertake to indigenising and decolonising design practice by dismantling colonial structures and challenging biases that have marginalised Indigenous voices and design.

As students of SoDA you will be given opportunities to both engage with and educate yourself in Indigenous creative practices and cultural protocols through a lens of inclusivity, diversity, respect, mutual understanding, inter-cultural dialogue in all aspects of design practice. Indigenous people have been telling stories, making tools, and connecting to Country through visual media, placemaking and place marking for more than 60,000 years and these practices are part of an ongoing, evolving and live tradition.