Who we are.

makelike is a multi-disciplinary design studio founded in 2000 by artist/designers Mary Kysar and Topher Sinkinson. In 2005 they were joined by artist and illustrator Rob Halverson. A year later, project/studio manager Tara Shirriff and artist/copywhiz Kristan Kennedy followed suit. Alisha Hensen, a letterpress preservationist with a flair for pattern, brought the noise in 2008. The team is based in the beating heart of the great Northwest - Portland, Oregon.

makelike generates art direction, graphic design, pattern design and illustration for publishing, editorial, marketing, retail, exhibition, product development and identity/brand applications.

makelike's collaborative approach is influenced by a growing list of random yet significant life experiences (late-night bike-posse’s, Montana mountains, whiskey-pulls at Disney World, stalking handprinted-wallpaper studios in Sweden, 50's ranch-house living, truck stop shopping, thrift-scores, DIY/garage letterpress printing, Mexican desert landscapes, Thermos™ collecting and sourcing useful utilitarian gadgets made of wood), our art backgrounds (photography, printmaking, sewing and installation) and hobbies (camping, dog walking, bird-watching, mountain climbing, Jell-O making, edible mushroom hunting, plaster casting, demolition, alpine yodeling and melon balling).

How we do.

makelike has worked on special projects involving illustration and pattern for corporate giants, agencies (large and small), non-profits, small businesses and individuals alike. Accolades and evidence of makelike’s prowess can be found in Case de Abitare, Elle Decor, Luxe, Dwell, iDn, ID, Surface, British iD, The New York Post, Emigre, Art Director’s Club, Type Director’s Club, Coast to Coast, iDn’s Iconography: Life 2, Tres Logos and Communication Arts 2005 & 2009 Design Annuals.