Mickalene Thomas

Against Time

Client:
Mickalene Thomas

Team:
Gil Cocker
Matt Divita
Russell Clayton


Mickalene Thomas, who lives and works in Brooklyn, NY, is an artist renowned for her bold and striking paintings, collages, photography, video, and installations. Drawing on both art history and popular culture, her work redefines female sexuality, beauty, and power through a contemporary lens, with a particular focus on celebrating Black femininity.

As Mickalene puts it herself:

"I like finding beauty in the grit, in the darkness – they go hand in hand. It’s a form of survival, and I’d like to reflect that in my art."

This duality—finding beauty in unexpected places—comes through strongly in her branding, which is designed to reflect her vision and ethos.
        The core elements of the Mickalene Thomas brand are feminine, sophisticated, and sexy. The typography is large and expressive, commanding attention while maintaining a refined elegance. The type is paired with an elegant, curvy, feminine aesthetic, which perfectly aligns with the themes Mickalene explores in her work.
        The colour scheme is a tonal black and off-white palette, creating a sense of sophistication and subtle power. This minimalist yet bold colour choice reflects the contrasts present in her work—the balance between light and dark, grit and beauty. Together, these elements form a visual identity that’s both striking and deeply reflective of Mickalene’s artistic journey.