Our Story

About the Artist: I'm Nicholas Michelsen, a ceramic artist based in Winter Park, Florida, just outside of Orlando. My work is inspired by a lifelong fascination with tiki culture, storytelling, and the spirit of adventure. That sense of adventure took root early—watching Indiana Jones movies with my dad, playing board games like Fireball Island and Forbidden Bridge, and getting swept up in the treasure-hunting excitement of The Goonies. Those stories filled with hidden relics, jungle ruins, and forgotten legends deeply influenced the way I approach design today. To me, a tiki mug is more than just a vessel—it's a chance to tell a story. I combine digital sculpting and 3D-printed molds with traditional ceramic techniques to bring detailed, narrative-driven pieces to life. Each mug is carefully crafted to feel like a relic from another world. While I work mostly solo in the studio, my wife plays an important role in the creative process—her feedback, support, and ideas often help shape each piece along the way. Whether you're a collector, a fellow storyteller, or simply someone drawn to the mystique of tiki, I'm glad you're here. Every creation has a story, and I’m honored to share mine with you.