Redefine Design by Koroseal

Digital Graphic Designer // Visual Maestro

As many of our clients can attest, Koroseal's design capabilities are unmatched. Not only do we offer the industry's most expansive range of interior wall solutions, but we take it a step further, allowing creators to customize solutions with our in-house Digital Design Lab. From color, to substrate - and everything in between - the possibilities are endless, thanks to our digital design team. As a Koroseal Digital Graphic Designer, Mike Murray works directly with customers to help support the execution of their creative visions. With every project, Mike brings his expertise, creativity, and precision, ensuring uniquely beautiful results.

Mike's Creator Journey

With his natural creative spirit, Mike has always been drawn to create. Both an avid musician and artist, Mike enjoyed his high school art classes, and found a strong mentor in his commercial art teacher. He started his career journey; however, working in a corporate mailroom for the well-known brand, Mr. Coffee. During a break from his typical mail duties, Mike was found stretching his creative muscles, working on a poster he planned to hang in the supply room. The company executive that saw it was impressed, and offered Mike an in-house graphic design position. This launched Mike's design career, turning passion into promise, and he never looked back!

When Mike started the position, the concept of a graphics department was very different from what we utilize today. Mike had learned AutoCAD in school, and worked directly with the engineering department on Mr. Coffee graphics. Eventually, in 2006, Mike joined RJF International and was charged with creating a graphic design department, which eventually evolved into Koroseal's in-house Digital Department.

“I've had a lifelong career as a graphic designer, and I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to do something I love this much for most of my adult life.”

Mike's passion for design has always been evident. Today, he supports both Koroseal customers and our internal teams with digital printing services, including designing the grand entryway of Koroseal's new headquarters. Mike has a natural talent leveraging custom design solutions, and supporting fellow visionaries in their creative journey to dream-like execution.

Creating Custom Beauty

Fulfilling the ultimate vision inside a client's mind is an art. Mike has a magical way of not only understanding customer dreams, but finding the best means to execute that vision, both aesthetically, and functionally.

Often great designers may create a concept that is exquisite, and perfectly on point; however, it may not be what the customer had in mind, or meet their creative expectations. This is where Mike's unique mastery comes into play.

“It's important to be able to let go, put your own creativity aside, and realize that you also need to be the vessel of someone else's creativity.”

Mike works one-on-one with customers to understand their vision, becoming a composer and conductor of how to bring their ideas to life. He orchestrates the perfect combinations of materials, design, and execution to ultimately deliver one-of-a-kind executions.

“Creativity requires the ability to see a visual rhythm, along with the ability to interpret and express a vision or idea.”

Working in the Digital Design Lab, Mike has the opportunity to customize various elements, helping customers create custom colors, patterns, and branding opportunities. The role requires creativity in both concept and execution. Mike finds himself leveraging a diverse toolbox for each day's challenges - citing things like trend research for new design inspiration, software technological advancements to make mundane tasks more efficient, and even old-school "tricks of the trade" to achieve particular visual results.

No matter the creative vision though, Mike is always eager to accept the challenge. One of Mike's favorite projects is a design he did for a hotel chain that utilized a very custom, abstract, floral carpet design. The carpet was designed specifically for the hotel, and the customer wanted a digital wallcovering that would give the illusion that the carpeting continued up the walls, and faded into an ombre towards the ceiling. The design itself was completely custom, and the execution needed to be pristine. The wallcovering would be used in tight spaces, around doors and hallways. Mike contacted the carpet manufacturer to source the exact textile files so that he could match the carpet design, ensuring each line was pixel-perfect. The end result was a beautiful wallcovering, and a customer team in love with their new space.

Creating with Mike

We met with Mike to learn more about his approach and inspiration. See what else he had to say!

Interested in joining the Koroseal team? Learn more about Careers at Koroseal.