Hi, I’m Michael—a graphic designer, visual storyteller, and lifelong lover of great ideas. My creative journey started way before I ever opened Photoshop or sketched my first design. As a kid, I was the one rearranging magazines sitting in the living room because I thought the type didn’t line up quite right, or carefully saving ticket stubs, brochures, and magazines just because the design felt too good to throw away.

That early obsession turned into a career I genuinely love. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to work with nonprofits, transportation groups, government agencies, retailers, and brands of every shape and size—creating logos, campaigns, websites, and print pieces that connect with real people in the real world.

“Do one thing every day that scares you!”

Eleanor Roosevelt

Stop and think about that quote for a minute. Instead of just hearing it, you can begin to realize the profound and deep meaning it carries. Life is an adventure, and I am drawing the map as I go. At the heart of everything I do are a few things I care deeply about:

Big ideas first.
I believe every project should start with a strong idea—a reason for being—before it ever touches the screen. Great design isn’t decoration; it solves problems and sparks connection.

Craft that counts.
From type choices to color to pixel-perfect alignment, the details matter. I’ve spent years mastering tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, while also trusting my eye, my intuition, and a good sketchbook when ideas need room to breathe.

Design that tells a story.
For me, design serves as a form of storytelling. Whether it’s a brand identity or a poster for a local event, the objective is to evoke emotions or prompt actions in a way that feels natural, honest, and clear.

Versatility matters.
I’ve worked on everything from multi-channel ad campaigns to hand-printed zines, and I enjoy the challenge of switching between platforms while maintaining a strong message and fresh design.

Collaboration is key.
I believe design is best when it’s shared—working closely with writers, developers, clients, and other creatives to make something better than any of us could on our own. I’ve led teams, mentored junior designers, and learned just as much from interns as I have from seasoned pros.

Problem-solving is the real job.
At the end of the day, design is about making things work—clearly, beautifully, and effectively. I always make an effort to ask the right questions, think a few steps ahead, and design with purpose.

When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me exploring bookstores (especially for vintage design books), cycling to wherever, road-tripping the West Coast with a camera in hand, flying to destinations new and familiar, or geeking out over beautifully packaged tea. I’m always on the lookout for new inspiration—and new creative challenges.