Michelle kliman is

Hi - I'm Michelle! I live in Chicago, and I love to draw, paint, and create colorful and fun patterns and illustrations. I keep it fresh and modern with a vintage twist. I am inspired by the geometry of nature, fashion, architecture, outer space, and so much more! MK Surface was born out of a desire to create surface designs that inspire, spread joy, and elevate the everyday. I love creating beautiful designs and meeting new people, and MK Surface will rise to any challenge.

​

Prior to starting MK Surface, I worked in the product design industry for close to a decade as an in-house designer for market leaders. With years of experience on the product design and development side of the industry, I have a unique insight and skill set to design on-trend patterns and illustrations —engineered for many surfaces and materials and formatted for easy use by any in-house design team.

​

I have both a craft-based and concept-driven arts education, first with a BFA in Furniture Design at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and then an MA in Textiles at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London. I have been able to combine my passion for form with my love of surface to build a stronger, more rounded design approach with the ability to work across disciplines and design for many sides of the industry.