Formations is a self-published, bi-annual magazine exploring the vast landscape of the American desert.
Both a celebration of the region’s history and a reflection of the artists and visionaries now calling it home, the publication brings together photography, architecture, literature, art and design.
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Catalog art direction and design for the clothing brand Outerknown.
I joined as Print Art Director and later led the team as Director of Creative Services. Over that time, we developed and produced more than 30 catalogs—at our peak, publishing six issues annually.
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Hard + Fast is a book of Melanie Nissen’s photographs of the late ’70s punk scene in Los Angeles.
Melanie and I edited the work together, going through boxes of negatives and prints—some images had appeared in Slash magazine, but much of the material had never been published.
The process was shaped as much by conversation as by editing; each photograph carried a story. Melanie had been my creative director at Warner Bros. Records, and we worked closely on every aspect of the book. I designed the publication.
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A portfolio book created for the Los Angeles–based architecture firm Jerde, known for their work on the 1984 Summer Olympics.
The publication was designed as a tool for new business, sent to prospective clients. We worked closely with the firm’s executive team at their Venice Beach office, drawing from an extensive archive of physical models and hand-drawn materials—artifacts from a pre-digital era.
In addition to the book, we refreshed the firm’s logo and visual identity.
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Created while at Group Efforts for developer DJM Capital, this project centered on a publication designed to introduce and help position the redevelopment of Runway Playa Vista.
Design, Bitches led the architectural vision, with photography by Laure Joliet.
I worked across design and art direction, developing both the publication and the identity for the shopping center.
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MIKE LOHR
Independent designer specializing in books, magazines, and printed matter.
With over 30 years of experience in graphic design, I focus on editorial and print—publications, books, and printed objects shaped by strong typography and thoughtful storytelling.
I am the founder and designer of Formations, a bi-annual publication exploring the vast landscape of the American desert.
Previously Director of Creative Services at Outerknown.
Based in the California desert.