About Me

I build high-performing teams and lead effective design and creative operations, both on-site and remote. When it comes to teams and to audiences, I put people first.

I've been a leader in many spaces: products, devices, games, merch, video, events, and AR/VR. I am also an active mentor and advisor.

Here's the story.

I chose a song for every job I've had.

Monte Michaelis

Design and Creative Leader

Resume

in words:

Resume PDF

in songs:

Resume Playlist

Contact

info@thisismonte.com

+1 425 501-74216

Leadership History

Creative Director

Hypixel Studios - Riot Games / Remote
March 2023 - Present

Interactive Creative Director

Amazon / Remote
May 2022 - Jan 2023

Director of Experience Design

Slalom Build / New York, NY
May 2020 - May 2022

Head of Creative

Collibra / New York, NY
Oct 2019 - Apr 2020

VP of Creative Innovation

Arkadium / New York, NY
Sept 2018 - Oct 2019

Mixed Reality Creative Director

Microsoft / Redmond, WA
Jul 2016 - Aug 2018

Creative Director / UX Manager

Geocaching / Seattle, WA
May 2014 - Jun 2016

Art Director

Electronic Arts / Seattle, WA
Sept 2009 - Feb 2013

Expertise

Creative direction

Creative strategy

Art direction

Experience design (UX/CX)

Product design and strategy

Executive presentation

People management

Operational effectiveness

People interviews

Workshop facilitation

Vision setting

Competitive research

Customer journey maps

Service blueprints

Visual design

Content strategy

Consulting

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor of Science

Graphic Design

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Associate of Applied Arts

Computer Animation

The Art Institute of Seattle

Early Career

Designer

Smashing Ideas / 2006 - 2009

I helped net a Parent's Choice Award at this Emmy-nominated agency. Our client list included Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, Cartoon Network, and Disney Channel.

Teacher

DigiPen / 2002 - 2018

I was a full-time art director, and later, an adjunct instructor. I taught animation, character design, storyboarding, job search skills, and portfolio.