From Magazine to media studio
Launched in 2017 via Kickstarter by founder Mike Nicholls, Umber has evolved from a magazine into a groundbreaking media platform, leading a cultural movement through storytelling. Our editorial features exist across all three mediums—print, live events, and digital—but each offers a distinct experience.
Umber is rooted in the embodiment of dynamic people who lead with culture.
We live in our truth, guided by passion and curiosity—not algorithms or trend cycles. We’re not chasing the mainstream—the mainstream is meeting us where we are. At Umber, we believe in creating spaces to share untold stories and creative journeys shaped by art, design, and music. In a world of endless scrolls and fragmented narratives, Umber offers a tactile, immersive, and intentional reprieve. This is storytelling whole, unfiltered, and alive.
Amos Kennedy Jr. - 2024 at Letterform Archive, San Francisco
Photography: Jenny Zhou
With over 100 contributors spanning Armenia, Amsterdam, Brazil, Chile, China, Copenhagen, Guadeloupe, Lebanon, London, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Sudan, Switzerland, and beyond, Umber highlights the thought leaders and cultural innovators who are reimagining our collective futures, such as:
Apache Skateboards, Armand Hammer, Ashara Ekundayo, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, Deanna Van Buren, Edgar Villanueva, Amos Kennedy Jr., Mani Draper, MAVI, Niema Jordan, Saul Williams, Souls of Mischief, Thalma De Freitas, Thomas Pridgen, Tonya Rapley, and many more.
Team
Charles Brack, ron falls, jr., ingrid jacobson, sasha kelley, Josephine Lee, ashley simpo, Ari Takata-Vasquez
Mike Nicholls
Founder & CEO
Mike Nicholls is an award-winning Oakland-based creative director, visual artist, and media maker with over 20 years of experience. His work has been recognized by AfroTech, PRINT Magazine, and other leading outlets. Mike collaborates with global thought leaders, visionary organizations, and regularly speaks at events such as CreativeMornings, SF Design Week, and The State of Black Design.
Learn more about Mike here.
Photography: McKayla Chandler
Public Speaking
Inspire and educate through impactful talks led by Mike Nicholls, founder and CEO of Umber. Mike delivers keynote presentations that showcase his expertise in design, culture-building, and storytelling, offering tailored insights and inspiration for your audience. He also participates in panel discussions, fireside chats, and moderated conversations, bringing thought leadership and engaging perspectives to every event.
Mike has spoke at events such as: Creative Mornings, AIGA Midwest Design Week, The State of Black Design and Hue Design Summit