Fons Hickmann

Fons Hickmann (born 1966) is a German graphic designer, educator, and professor of Communication Design at the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin). He is the founder and creative director of the Berlin-based design studio Fons Hickmann m23, internationally recognized for its innovative work in graphic design, visual communication, typography, and poster design.

Early Life and Education

Born in Hamm, Germany, Hickmann studied Photography and Communication Design alongside Philosophy at the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf. He later continued his academic studies in Aesthetics and Media Theory in Wuppertal, developing a multidisciplinary approach that has become a defining characteristic of his design practice.

Design Career

In 2001, Hickmann and designer Gesine Grotrian-Steinweg established Fons Hickmann m23 in Berlin, where Hickmann serves as creative director. The studio specializes in developing sophisticated visual communication systems, including corporate identity, editorial design, book design, poster design, magazine design, exhibition graphics, and digital media.

Over the years, the studio has earned numerous international design awards and has exhibited its work at major graphic design biennials and exhibitions worldwide. Its projects are known for combining conceptual thinking with experimental typography and strong visual narratives.

Academic Career

Alongside his professional practice, Hickmann has built an influential academic career. Between 2001 and 2007, he served as Professor of Communication Design at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. In 2007, he joined the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin) as Professor of Graphic Design within the Faculty of Design.

He has also taught at the universities of Essen and Dortmund, while giving lectures, workshops, and seminars internationally in cities including London, Ljubljana, Istanbul, Beijing, and Shanghai.

Professional Activities

Hickmann is an active member of several prestigious international design organizations. He is an appointed member of the Type Directors Club (New York), the Art Directors Club Germany, and the Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI).

Together with fellow designers, he co-founded the initiative “11 Designers for Germany”, which sought to raise public awareness of graphic design and visual culture. The initiative gained widespread media attention during the debate surrounding the official logo of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, advocating for higher standards in national visual identity.

Exhibitions and Recognition

In 2008, Hickmann and his studio were invited to participate in the opening exhibition of the Museum of the Image (MOTI) in the Netherlands, widely recognized as the world’s first museum dedicated to graphic design. Their work was featured in the exhibition European Championship of Graphic Design, inaugurated by Queen Beatrix.

From 2012 to 2014, Hickmann served on the expert jury for the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany. Since 2018, he has been President of 100 Beste Plakate (100 Best Posters), one of Europe’s most respected organizations dedicated to promoting outstanding poster design in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Design Philosophy

Fons Hickmann’s work is characterized by a conceptual, research-driven approach that combines typography, visual experimentation, and cultural discourse. His posters and publications often challenge conventional graphic design principles, encouraging viewers to actively engage with visual communication rather than simply consume it. Through both his professional practice and academic teaching, Hickmann has become one of the most influential figures in contemporary European graphic design.