Creativity in Motion: Nissan Celebrates Canadian Winner of International All-New MICRA Signature Edition Competition in partnership with Designboom
Blog Jun 4th, 2026- Canadian creative designer Marc-André Fauteux named winner of international design competition All-New MICRA Signature Edition
- Nissan ran this contest in partnership with the Magazine Designboom to celebrate next-generation creative talent and attracted more than 1,000 entries
- Winning concept reimagines All-New MICRA as a bold, moving canvas
MISSISSAUGA, ON – Nissan is celebrating Canadian creative talent on the global stage, with Montreal-based designer Marc-André Fauteux named the winner of the international “Elevate All-New Nissan MICRA: The Signature Edition” competition.
Launched in partnership with the magazine Designboom in August 2025, this contest invited designers, artists, and creative thinkers across the world to reinterpret the visual identity of the all-new MICRA – one of Nissan’s most iconic nameplates – through colour, materials, and graphic expression. More than a thousand creatives entered the competition, with 11 finalists selected, each offering a unique perspective on how design can transform the playful, urban DNA of MICRA.
The Winning Vision: ‘Organised Simplicity’ in Motion
The judging panel selected the concept by Montreal-based designer Marc-André Fauteux for its combination of structure, movement and emotional impact. Fauteux describes the approach as “organised simplicity”, balancing controlled geometric forms with spontaneous visual energy.
“Marc-André’s winning concept captures the expressive design character of the all-new Nissan MICRA in a bold and innovative way,” said Giovanny Arroba, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe. “This competition highlights how creative talent can contribute fresh perspectives to automotive design and graphic expression.”
From Montreal to the Global Stage
With more than two decades of experience in graphic and interactive design, Fauteux was inspired by the opportunity to transform one of Nissan’s most iconic nameplates into a moving piece of art. For Fauteux, the competition represented a rare opportunity to combine his background in graphic design with his passion for automotive creativity.
His winning concept combined asymmetric design, movement and structure to create a bold visual identity across the MICRA’s surface. “The all-new MICRA already has such a playful and expressive personality, which gave me a strong foundation to build from creatively,” he added.
Fauteux said he hopes designs like this can help bring more colour and individuality into everyday life. “I love seeing bold and artistic ideas brought into everyday life,” he said. “Putting art in motion through something as everyday as a car makes the experience feel more expressive, creative and human.”
Inspired by Montréal’s vibrant creative scene and the fusion of art and automotive design, this recognition holds special meaning for Fauteux: “Representing Canada is an immense source of pride, especially given the richness and diversity of the nationalities among the finalists. I am proud to demonstrate that Canadian creativity fully belongs among the global elite—and that it can stand alongside the very best.”
Looking Ahead: Designing the Future of Mobility
Fauteux’s winning concept has been brought to life as a prototype and showcased at Nissan Automotive Europe’s headquarters in France, highlighting the global reach of Canadian creativity.
The competition reflects Nissan’s ongoing commitment to championing emerging creative talent and keeping bold, expressive design at the heart of MICRA.