LinkedIn • résumé
Hi There!
I’m a collaborative, hard-working creative leader with 15 years of experience helping brands connect meaningfully with culture. Why do I call myself an outlaw? Because there are too many unspoken rules in advertising that hold us back from creating truly standout work. These can be rules about how a category should look or act or how “funny” a brand should be. Let’s challenge these norms to deliver work that truly breaks through.
Hi There!
I’m Mike.
I’m a collaborative, hard-working creative leader with 15 years of experience helping brands connect meaningfully with culture. Why do I call myself an outlaw? Because there are too many unspoken rules in advertising that hold us back from creating truly standout work. These can be rules about how a category should look or act or how “funny” a brand should be. Let’s challenge these norms to deliver work that truly breaks through.
1.
Truth Seeker & teller.I’m a truth teller by nature. I cut through the BS to get to the good stuff. Let’s find what’s true and make it resonate with the consumer.
2.
Leading from the front & back.I’ll lead from the front. More importantly, I have the confidence to give 100% of the credit and take 100% of the blame.
3.
100% Full-Assed.
The internet is infinite and infinitely entertaining. Brands can’t afford to be half-anything.
Work history.
Freelance, Los Angeles, CA
(2024-Present)
OKRP, Chicago, IL - Creative Director
(2021-2024)
BBDO, San Francisco, CA - Associate Creative Director
(2015-2020)
David & Goliath, Los Angeles, CA - Senior Art Director
(2012-2015)
ATTIK, San Francisco, CA - Senior Art Director
(2007 - 2012)
EDUCATION.
Life - Ongoing
(2024-Present)
GUT Los Angeles/Miami - Stella Artois, Doordash
X&Os - Smashburger
OKRP, Chicago, IL - Creative Director(2021-2024)
Burger King, Corona Premier, The Masters, Wilson, Metro by T-Mobile, Ace Hardware, Ferrara Candy (Sweetarts, Nerds, Brachs), Illinois Lottery
BBDO, San Francisco, CA - Associate Creative Director(2015-2020)
Mars, HP Computers, Mattel, Wells Fargo, Athleta, Mission 22
David & Goliath, Los Angeles, CA - Senior Art Director(2012-2015)
Kia Motors, Vizio TVs, California Lottery
ATTIK, San Francisco, CA - Senior Art Director(2007 - 2012)
Toyota, Taco Bell, Yahoo!, San Francisco Aids Foundation
EDUCATION.
Life - Ongoing
Chicago Portfolio School
St. Cloud State University - B.S. in Mass Communications, English Literature
reviews.
Andy Van Ark > Client, mars
Mike is a fantastic collaborator when it came to making great creative work. We often collaborated on building out the creative idea and bringing it to life together. He is able to push an idea beyond the basic, into the great. He is always very focused on the clients needs while staying true to the creative idea. All those around Mike really respect him and the work he produces. It was such a pleasure to work with Mike. I hope I get to work with him in the future!
Jasmine Do > Sr. Art Director, Barkley-OKrp
As my CD, [Mike] gave me the space as a senior art director to be creative and grow while providing impactful guidance and direction to help me level up — a tough balance to find, but Mike made it look easy. He always knew when to offer the best life and career advice exactly when it was needed (mainly because he had to listen to me and Rosie all day, every day lol) but the stories and lessons he shared with Rosie and I will stay with me forever!! And I’ll probably pass these bits and pieces of advice down to other creatives, so you could say Mike’s basically a legend.
Jorie Williams > Writer, bbdo
As my CD, [Mike] gave me the space as a senior art director to be creative and grow while providing impactful guidance and direction to help me level up — a tough balance to find, but Mike made it look easy. He always knew when to offer the best life and career advice exactly when it was needed (mainly because he had to listen to me and Rosie all day, every day lol) but the stories and lessons he shared with Rosie and I will stay with me forever!! And I’ll probably pass these bits and pieces of advice down to other creatives, so you could say Mike’s basically a legend.
Jorie Williams > Writer, bbdo
Mike was one of my favorite creative directors I've had the opportunity to work with. He has a way of lifting you up, while still helping you better your work. In the shoots we got to go on together, Mike was always the person the clients loved most. He is humble, hard working, and just a super awesome and interesting person to be around.
David Petti > GCD, Barkley-OKRP
Mike is one of the most talented creatives out there, but he probably won't talk much about it. So I will. He's humble and egoless. He's hardworking and dependable. And he's relentless about craft. He elevates his own work and the work of those around him.
Maddy Thompson > Writer, BBDO
Mike is a really great leader, mentor and friend. As my first ACD in the industry, he taught me about working hard, sticking with your gut, standing up for your ideas, having fun and doing great work. I always felt that he believed in me and that he wanted what was best for me. He didn't treat us like "juniors", he treated us like equals. I never felt scared to pitch an idea to Mike, because I was confident that he loved outlandish ideas and that, even if it wasn't right for what we were doing, he would appreciate imagination and bravery.
