Hugo Hoppmann is a graphic designer based in Berlin. In addition to work in his own studio, he also runs his own project “PRESENT” which has been ongoing since his days of living in New York. We talked with Hugo about his works and personal projects.
I’m graphic designer, art director and publisher, living and working in Berlin, Germany. Graphic design and writing have always been my favorite modes of self-expression and valuable tools to actualise my own visions, and the ones of my friends and clients. I have been fortunate to know early on in my life that this is what I want to do.
Over the last years I had the privilege to be working for a wide range of diverse clients from around the world and to collaborate with fantastic people and companies such as Nike, 032c, Prada, Apple, Sies Marjan, and District Vision.
Next to my studio work I’m forever and always trying to push my own favorite (un)realized projects, such as my own PRESENT magazine. Besides publishing the inaugural issue of PRESENT, my highlights this year were developing the full concept and design language for a Nike shoe and creating the new visual identity for my favorite music channel Colors.
I’m currently focusing on several branding projects, an artist book and the next issue of PRESENT. Besides that I’m trying to write as much as I can and continue to develop my daily core habits including meditation, workout, and review. It’s not always easy, but taking care of my body, mind, and soul is the priority.
PRESENT is a personal project that I initiated when I was living in New York City in 2016. It is the essence of different passion projects from the past years and an umbrella of my fascinations in life, with the first issue titled People On Process.
It all started with the word PRESENT and its different meanings that build the base of this project. Being present, and appreciating the now. Seeing your work as a gift, being generous towards yourself and the poeple around you. Presenting your ideas to the world, and never hide what you have inside you.
PRESENT a magazine about creating and self-reflection where we speak with makers about their path and philosophies in order to demystify the creative process. It’s a space for honest conversations about discipline, fear, career paths and confidence. With this project I want to inspire and push, reflect and trigger, motivate and initiate: to get closer to what we want and what we know we need.
For me, cultivating our personal projects is significant. I believe all conflicts — with ourselves and others — are essentially rooted in not being able to get close enough with our favorite unrealized project. With a million distractions and obligations fighting for our attention everyday, it is a challenge not to neglect our passion projects. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it.
My aim is to grow the team and the community and to be able to publish bi-anually in the future. The second issue is now in the planning, alongside new apparel and special events. My ambition is to push the idea and the vision further, as a brand and as a movement.
