Welcome to the first instalment of our new City Series by People of Print, a collection of interviews exploring creative lives through the places that shape them.
We begin in Koblenz and Gent with Lukas, Senior Graphic Designer at Canyon Bikes, whose work sits at the intersection of surface design, cycling culture and print process. Responsible for the road bike category, limited editions, team issues and special drops, Lukas works across colour, finishes and graphics, shaping how performance meets personality on two wheels.
This conversation is not just about bikes. It is about place, contrast and craft. From the quiet, wine-soaked hills of Koblenz to the race-obsessed pubs of Belgium, Lukas moves between two cycling cultures that inform his creative rhythm. His journey began in a university bike kitchen, where graphic design and bicycles became inseparable, and continues today through projects that reference classic playing cards, screen-printed decals and carefully considered surface treatments.
In this first City Series interview, we talk process, photography, independent bookshops, train dining cars, treasured tools and the importance of understanding how things are really made. Because for Lukas, and for us, the surface always begins beneath it.
Let’s start in Koblenz.
What’s your name and what do you do?
Lukas. I am Senior Graphic Designer. My job is surface design at Canyon. This involves graphic design and colour work. I basically work with everything concerning colour, finishes and graphics on our products. I am responsible for the road bike section and limited editions, special drops and team issues of our bikes.
Where are you based, and what’s one thing you love about your city or neighbourhood?
I am based in Koblenz, where Canyon is based. But currently, I commute to Belgium. What I love about this is the contrast. Belgium is a bicycle-fanatic country you can watch the big races in pubs as you could the same with soccer in Germany. Flanders itself is quite flat. Koblenz itself is quite quiet and perfect for cycling in all forms, I definitely love the riding and the wine culture.
What’s one creative project that represents your style or values?
So here is one…some years ago we dropped a limited edition bike around “wildcards“. I am myself are a huge playing card fan and I ended up designing an entire deck of cards, in which the bike was wrapped with. We also put a set of these in every box the bikes were sent out. The background of the cards, had my special attention because they are inspired from old classic games. The red print on white gave the bike a certain rosè look.
Note: most of the modern bikes are painted/produced with a certain type of decal that is made by screen printing.
How did you get into your creative practice, was there a turning point?
My creative practice revolves around everything concerning bikes. I think a turning point in this was when I joined the bike kitchen, our community bicycle workshop during uni. From that moment on my life was split between graphic design and bicycles. It was always important for that these two factors balance out well.
Describe your workspace in three words.
Planned
Chaos
Everywhere
Favourite café or spot to grab a drink and think?
I love the onboard restaurants in trains; I am a real sucker for that. I love to stare out the window, while eating/drinking in a high-speed train or drawing in my sketch book. If that did not meet the question: ONA Wine Bar in Gent, you can sit, watch, drink and think/draw/write. Very nicely curated wine menu with not too many options, you just trust them somehow.
Go-to restaurant, food truck or hole-in-the-wall gem?
In Koblenz there is a spot for the pizza-heads: 3-hefen
Best independent shop for books, magazines, zines or stationery?
A fun one is Bookz&Booze in Gent, where the owner wonderfully curated books, with drinks that fit the topic.
The best book shop in Gent is probably Paard van Troje, very well curated and also English speaking friendly.
Where do you go to feel inspired (museum, gallery, park, walk, etc.)?
I get inspired everywhere, there is no go to recipe for me. But what I do to get inspired is taking pictures. I usually carry my heavy old DSLR around with me. This can be in Pietmont in Italy, in a modern art museum, on a walk along the Rhine in Koblenz or in the city’s botanic garden in Gent. It is not the place but the photographic eyes that unlock that.
A local brand, studio or artist you think deserves more attention?
My good friend BERTOBART he is skateboarder making art. Real DIY shit. As true as it gets.
Favourite fashion or lifestyle brand, local or global?
Fashion would be Carhartt or Dickies, simplicity beats exclusivity for me.
A piece of clothing or accessory you wear constantly and why?
Black twill stand collar shirt by MUJI, I love their simple style, especially the cotton shirts.
Any brands, designers, or creatives in your city that you think people should follow?
My gold old friend Stefan Kowalczyk, he is an amazing illustrator and founded the Graphit-illustration festival in Erfurt
A design object, tool, or printed item you treasure?
My teenage engineering speaker OD11.
What’s a recent purchase you’re obsessed with, printed, crafted, or otherwise?
I bought this pen in Taiwan, an indian ink brush… I can’t even read the name because of the Chinese characters. I carry it everywhere and even get mad when I forget it.
A book or magazine that never leaves your shelf?
SLANTED magazine! Shout out to Julia Kahl, I had the pleasure to meet her recently. She is also a Professor of Typography in Mainz at the moment.
A film, documentary, or series that’s influenced your creative journey?
A movie that somehow did something with me was Niki de Saint-Phalle et Jean Tinguely – Les Bonnie and Clyde de l’art. It is a documentary about the (love)life of the two artists, showcasing projects they made together and the most important pieces of their own work.
It is a very inspiring look into the minds of two artists loving each other. I think it is still available on youTube.
A print-based product, shop or initiative you admire and want to shout out?
Erik Spiekermanns p98a workshop! I am happy they managed to still survive, Erik provides workshops his endless print related knowledge. Book a workshop or just become a friend to support them, I think these places are important for our profession.
Another workshop is in Northern Germany’s Strahlsund. It is a showcase workshop and museum where playing cards are printed and produced.
Both of these workshops are true gems and run honorary.
What advice would you give to emerging creatives in your field?
Get behind the process. Find out how things are really made and own it. It will pay off!
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