From Magazine to global community
Officially launched in 2017 (via Kickstarter) by creative director, founder and editor-in-chief Mike Nicholls, we independently released ten publications and put on several curated events with a brilliant team of editors, content creators, writers, event producers, photographers and videographers.
Started off as the creative thinkers graphic journal, Umber went on to build a connected global community of vital tastemakers, movement-builders and visionaries that shape culture. There has been a growing demand for distinctive and innovative voices across all media that reflected the nuanced perspectives of Black people and people of color.
The Umber readers and event attendees aren’t just casually interested in the content we offer, they are passionate! Our vision was to create a space for authentic world views and creative inspiration. The people who embodied what we produced are creators and thinkers who belong to multiple communities, are socially conscious and intentional in how they curate their lifestyle.
Souls of Mischief - 2019 at de Young Museum, San Francisco
Photography: John Crisp
With over 100 contributors and features from places such as Armenia, Amsterdam, Brazil, Chile, China, Copenhagen, Guadalupe, Lebanon, London, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, The Philippines, Sudan and Switzerland, we are immensely proud to have put a spotlight on thought-provocateurs and innovators such as:
Apache Skateboards, Armand Hammer, Ashara Ekundayo, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, Deanna Van Buren, Douglas Miles, Edgar Villanueva, Jeannette Ehlers, Mani Draper, MAVI, Niema Jordan, Saul Williams, Souls of Mischief, Thalma De Freitas, Thomas Pridgen, Tonya Rapley, and many more.
Our Partners Over the Years
Mike Nicholls
Creative Director & Founder
Mike Nicholls is an Oakland-based award-winning established creative director, brand strategist, visual artist and publisher using design as a tool for discovery, inspiration and community building. At Umber, Mike wears multiple hats as creative director, founder, and publisher. In the role of creative director, he shapes the platform's artistic vision, blending immersive design elements with captivating narratives. In the capacity of publisher, he carefully curates content, encompassing thought-provoking articles, visually striking art features, and insightful interviews.
Learn more about Mike here.
Photography: Bethanie Hines