When ideas take root
Anyone who has ever taken part in a NIKIN Crowd Design competition knows: It's about more than just pretty designs. With this competition, we give the community the chance to help shape our products and select designs that fit NIKIN but are also appealing to our community. Of the 250 participants in this year's competition, one particularly impressed us: Sophia Hultsch , graphic designer and illustrator. She is this year's winner and 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 true craftsmanship.
Between Munich and Aargau
Sophia is not only a designer, but above all one thing: a passionate illustrator. Raised in Oberentfelden, Aargau, and now living in Munich, she lives between urban life and her alpine homeland. She works at a small creative agency, teaches at her former university, and finds balance in nature – hiking, biking, 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 entered the NIKIN competition. A friend introduced her to the project – and Sophia was immediately on board. NIKIN's values, such as sustainability, closeness to nature, and creative thinking, align with her own beliefs. So, she quickly grabbed her sketchbook and let her thoughts flow. For Sophia, every idea always begins analogue – with pen and paper. The sketches are then digitized, with great care to preserve the hand-drawn look.
The two designs she submitted for the Crowd Design title have in common that they use soft, natural colors and convey closeness, tranquility, and a connection to nature. "Connected by Nature" depicts 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 outdoors. Being part of NIKIN's history and having two of her designs immortalized is a special honor for Sophia.
Creative retreat between camper conversion and city hustle and bustle
Nature doesn't just accompany Sophia on her artistic journey. Although she lives in the heart of Munich, she's always drawn outside – whether to the English Garden or on visits to her old hometown. Places with trees, peace, and open spaces are creative retreats for her. She and her boyfriend are currently embarking on a new adventure: They're converting a van into a camper. The prospect of travel, nature, and creative breaks on the road brings together her two passions – design and being outdoors. Her wish is fitting: "I want to inspire people with my designs to spend more time outdoors and to pay more attention – to what surrounds us."
If you'd like to learn more about our crowd design contests or even participate yourself, keep an eye on our channels or send your design to info@nikin.ch. Who knows, maybe your design will soon adorn one of our products.
