2008 marked the 10th anniversary of the PRINT New Visual Artists showcase, recognizing the most interesting, challenging and provocative voices emerging in the creative industry. That year, Michael Freimuth was selected as one of those 20 brilliant artists under 30.
Clockwise from left: Poster from an artists’ workshop on unconventional narrative in film and media, 2007; cover and spread from a children’s book about a boy and his blimp, 2008; packaging design for Azita’s Almost-All-American Hot Sauce, 2007.
A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Freimuth was working at VSA Partners as a senior designer. He was thriving in the firm’s team environment, and had become interested in the practical and financial side of design, as well as the creative process.
What I see eventually is building a collaborative, strategic, multidisciplinary group whose work is broader than any specific design area. There are so many opportunities to make meaningful contributions— I’d like to try my hand at them.
Michael Freimuth, 2008
In 2012, he did just that, and with Patrick Richardson he founded a collaborative multidisciplinary group, Franklyn. With offerings ranging from strategy, brand identity, illustration, packaging, digital, animation and environmental design, today Franklyn works with clients including Marz Community Brewing Co., Carewell, Humanscale and Brooklyn Brewery. Their work also supports causes the founders care about, such as World Parkinson’s Day and the National Network of Abortion Funds.
NVA helped motivate me to get out of my comfort zone and put my own work out into the world. It’s always worth trying to push yourself—you never know what’s possible unless you make yourself vulnerable.
Michael Freimuth, 2024
PRINT’s New Visual Artists competition is open for entries now through Aug. 20—and today is the deadline for the lowest rates to enter. Where will your creative dreams and career goals take you? We can’t wait to see.