Thomas Widdershoven and Nikki Gonnissen are, unequivocally, two of the Netherlands’ leading graphic designers. Together they form THONIK, a distinguished design studio that explores the boundaries of experiential visual communication and graphic design. The work of THONIK is internationally acclaimed, with recent exhibitions in Venice, Shanghai, Tokyo and Paris, in the famous gallery Anatome.
 
Thomas and Nikki employ a number of central models and themes that constantly reappear, turnING each work into a recognisable THONIK oeuvre. What emerges is the design principle central to all THONIK’s work: if the concept is good, the rest will follow.
 
THONIK gained international fame with the re-branding of the Dutch Socialist Party. Following the 2006 election, THONIK made a TV commercial for the Socialist Party highlighting the issue of failing homecare policies – in which an eighty-year-old woman undresses in front of the camera. The film caused a media uproar, but was voted by the Dutch public as the best TV commercial of that year. 
THONIK’s designs are both detailed and daring, systematic yet liberal – and always include a healthy dose of humour.

Dutch Profiles is a series of short documentaries produced by Submarine commissioned by DutchDFA about architects, graphic, product and fashion designers in the Netherlands. Dutch Profiles focuses on the conceptual, context-oriented and research-based practice of Dutch designers and includes interviews with, among others: MVRDV, Irma Boom, Jurgen Bey, Claudy Jongstra, Hella Jongerius, Paul Mijksenaar, Marlies Dekkers, Alexander van Slobbe and G-Star.
Director: Michael Schaap
Camera: Pierre Rezus
Sound: Bert van Dungen
Editing: Jasper Verhorevoort
Creative Producer: Geert van de Wetering
Producer: Olivia van Leeuwen
Produced by Submarine
Music Sound Design: Pastelle Music
Color correction: Editpoint
Commissioned by DutchDFA