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The Geometric Patterns and Pop Art of Mike Karolos

Greek Illustrator Mike Karolos aka Smirap Designs may have studied and worked as a graphic designer but over the years he realized that his passion is illustration. His style in illustration could be described as a hybrid between geometric patterns and pop art. Otherwise, a mix of Mondrian with Lichtenstein and perhaps a bit of stained glass. Geometric shapes, simple forms without much detail, thick contours and elements from pop art are some of the elements that characterize his style.

Mike Karolos was born in 1984 in Manchester UK but has lived his whole life in Greece. His first steps in the world of design where through graffiti. He then studied Graphic Design, worked in various design agencies and now works as a freelancer doing illustrations, package design and branding for clients around the world.

‘Greece Is’

Mike Karolos work ‘Greece Is’ made it on the World Illustration Awards Shortlist

He was commissioned to make two illustrations for the “Greece Is” magazines. One illustration was for “Greece is Athens” and the other for “Greece is Dodecanese”. In both illustrations, he had to illustrate the different characteristics of each place and make a composition in my style.

The magazines were available with Kathimerini newspaper and the international edition of New York times and distributed in various locations in Greece like the Acropolis Museum.

Other Projects

Check out a small sample of his work here or visit Mike Karolos website.

 

Mike Karolos Social Media:
https://twitter.com/SmirapDesigns
https://www.facebook.com/SmirapDesigns/
https://www.instagram.com/smirapdesigns/
https://www.behance.net/SmirapDesigns

 

Maria Papaefstathiou

VISUAL DESIGNER since 1996 and blogger since 2010. Living in Athens, Greece. She has been focusing her research on poster design and particularly on social poster design and portrait design. Her main poster project is a series of posters celebrating great personalities of traditional and popular culture in Greece and Jamaica. These include actors, singers, musicians, poets etc. This is an ongoing project. “I believe that design is a powerful tool that we designers can use to spark enthusiasm, change mindsets and bring positive actions to our world and our culture”. FOUNDER AND EDITOR OF GRAPHICART-NEWS.COM BLOG. She carefully curates high-quality designs, illustrations, and art, from all over the world that will teach and provoke other designers. Many consider her blog to be an exceptional educational tool. CO-FOUNDER OF THE INTERNATIONAL REGGAE POSTER CONTEST which was launched on December 2011, partnering, the creative activist Michael Thompson aka Freestylee. (www.reggaepostercontest.com)