#flashwebsite

Before 2005, Tokidoki was a personal art project by Simone Legno, an Italian artist passionate about Japanese pop culture, street art, and graffiti. Legno showcased his work on his personal website, which gained attention and was even listed as one of The Independent’s top ten "websites of the week". His unique style caught the eye of Pooneh Mohajer and Ivan Arnold, who later partnered with him to turn Tokidoki into a global lifestyle brand.

At that time, Tokidoki was more of an independent artistic expression, featuring Legno’s signature cute yet edgy designs, inspired by anime, manga, and urban aesthetics. It wasn’t until April 2005 that Tokidoki officially became a brand, expanding into apparel, accessories, and collaborations with major companies.

Designgraphik (2001)- Michael Paul Young’s Flash website

Michael Paul Young played a crucial role in shaping digital design in the early 2000s, particularly through his pioneering project Designgraphik. This experimental platform pushed the boundaries of Flash-based web design, featuring abstract visuals, animation, and unconventional typography. Young’s work helped define the immersive and dynamic nature of Flash websites, known for their fluid motion and layered compositions. His innovative approach earned him recognition, including a Chrysler Design Award nomination, and set a precedent for digital aesthetics. Designgraphik remains a testament to his influence, evolving as an iconic piece of early web experimentation.