Mikko Sumulong

I have spent the last few years bouncing around the Pacific Ocean. Those years have been spent designing handwritten fonts, building websites, holding craft events, writing craft books, facilitating workshops, teaching ESL and doing HR consultant work. As you can see, I’m never bored.

Growing up in a family full of artists, crafters, bakers and makers, my “why buy when you can DIY?” mindset just came naturally. Without gadgets, my cousins and I were instead left to our own devices. We spent a whole lot of time learning to make things with our hands. I caught the craft bug early, and haven’t stopped trying to pass it on since.

It was my mom who passed on pressed botanical art onto me. Alaska always served up the most beautiful flowers in the short summers. My mom made sure to preserve the flowers as best she could. When she “threatened” to get rid of her prized decade-old stash, I asked if I could have them instead. From then on, I made to share the lost art of pressed flowers with as much people as I could.

While I believe that design should always have a handcrafted touch, I understand that the world today is digital. Most of my work is the perfect blend of tech and handmade. When I’m not crafting, you can find me tinkering around on my computer.

You can read more of my craft adventures on my blog, I Try DIY (itrydiy.me), and get a taste of my handwritten fonts on my online type shop Mix Fonts (mixfonts.com).