It started as a way to sign off on emails. As one of countless Michaels in my classes, I always wanted to be a “First name only” type of person, like Prince or Cher or Beck. But with the single most common name in my generation (I checked), I needed to differentiate. Ever the rebel, I noticed everyone signed off their emails with hyphens (-Sarah) or tildes (~Jacques), so why not pick a better punctuation? And furthermore, why not pick the one that says “Hey, here’s comes something exciting!”? So, that’s where it started and that’s a good primer for what to expect. And it comes first because, my hope is that the excitement precedes me. And, if I pull that off, I don’t need to leave a last name… which is Koester, by the way.
What’s with the exclamation point?
I’m !Michael. I’m from Chicago, currently based in Austin. First and foremost, I’m a creative. A musician, a content creator, a writer, and apparel designer. I specialize in creating high-energy, engaging pieces that push forward and lean into the future. I specialize in headwear design; baseballs, fedoras, cut and sew, and knits. To me, the most valuable aspect of design is to maintain the inspirational spark of an idea, and to protect it as it’s handed through every step from the design process all the way to the head, or hands, or ears of the customer, the fan. I design product artistically and with meticulous (ridiculous?) intent. Every detail is not only considered, but an opportunity to fold in a piece of excitement or magic that will be discovered and bring joy or wonder, or at the very least confusion.
My focus on the overall product lifecycle in apparel has led me to not simply just concept and design the product, but additionally I’ve consistently been involved with development, working directly with factories to ensure quality product on typically pretty tight timelines. Also I work closely with marketing to ensure that the concept of the designs is carried over into assets and campaigns. Often writing copy and campaign briefs myself in order to really keep the electricity firing at that step. Beyond that I also manage social media channels that directly interface with the customers and the product, in the process creating entire brand voices that end up adopted by the greater brand altogether. I love this bit too because nothing is more inspiring than interacting directly with the people who are meant to love and wear the things you’re making.
To me, just like art and music, products can be moments. It’s important to see past the aspect of creating “more stuff” and try to use the opportunity to impact people in even a small way. A well-travelled path is likely one that doesn’t need retreading, instead I strive to create new things and pursue new ideas. And I hope to make special things that people value beyond simply “putting on”.
