Pushing pixels and slaying briefs since 2009.

My name’s Michael (friends call me Miguel) and I love making beautiful things with good people. Originally from Texas, I’ve been living the PNW dream since moving to Portland in 2012.

Culture and community are some of my driving forces. Not to mention beautifully kerned typography.

I have a keen sense of creative problem solving with a history of working collaboratively across teams to create effective, results-driven creative.

Hardworking and collaborative, "any team would be lucky to have him", says my former creative director. “He’s a swell guy”, says my mom.

Experience and Competencies:

Brand Strategy • Logo Design • Campaign Concepting • Website UI/UX + Prototype Design • Digital Marketing • Email Marketing • Social Media Strategy • Typesetting and Layout Design • Print + Prepress • Production Design • OOH • TV • Lifestyle, Product, and Portrait Photography • Photoshoot Planning and Oversight • Photo Retouching • Storyboarding • Motion Design • Apparel • Merch production • Infographics • Digital Illustration • Copywriting • Creative team management • File and systems management • Morale boosting

I’m a fast learner - let’s try something new!

Agencies I’ve been lucky to work with over the years:

Fish Marketing Portland, OR • Razorfish Austin, TX + Portland, OR • Sockeye Creative Portland, OR •
Liquid Agency Portland, OR • SET Creative Portland, OR • HERENOW Creative Portland, OR •
Embody Design Co Nashville, TN • Screamer Company Austin, TX

Creative Process

Research & Insight

01

The initial phase of a creative project always begins with intel - from informal conversation, client questionnaires, market or industry research, mood boards, and Google searches.

I consider all design projects to be collaborative by nature - whether with a client, team, or audience. A clear understanding of goals and strategy is an essential part of campaign development.

Iterate & Explore

02

With a clear strategy in mind, we can begin creative exploration: honing in on styles, iterating concepts, getting our hands dirty. The work becomes a process of combining ideas so that business goals and brand elements harmonize. Copywriting, image making, content generating - this stage is when feedback, collaboration, and communication are key to a successful end result.

Execute &
Deliver

03

Overseeing projects from beginning to end, I lend a vital eye ensuring quality at every stage of development. From installation and production to general oversight: detail oriented, dialed, and delivered.

  • "Michael has a strong passion for doing great work that is always on strategy. He genuinely cares about client success and routinely goes above and beyond client expectations."

    Nate Parr, President of Fish Marketing

  • "A talented art director and perfectionist in all the right ways... I would recommend his easy personality and ability to conceptualize any creative project from start to finish!"

    Susan Beall, Project Manager

  • "He has that all-important combination of seemingly boundless creativity, exceptional design skills, and an ever-evolving understanding of current design trends."

    Courtenay Hameister, Creative Director

My aim is to make work that my clients are proud to share with the world.

I’d love to learn how we can collaborate to make something great together. Don’t hesitate to drop me a line!