About Me
Over the past twenty years, I've worked as an animator, a college lecturer, an agency designer, a game studio art director, and an experience consultant. I've been a creative director of just about everything: products, devices, games, merch, video, events, AR/VR.
I lead effective, multi-capability teams in all settings by putting people first.
I chose a song for every job I've had.

Monte Michaelis
Product Design Leader
Resume
in words:
in songs:
Contact
+1 425 501-74216
Leadership History
Creative Director
Hypixel Studios / 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 / 2006
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Associate of Applied Arts
Computer Animation / 2000
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
I was a full-time art director, and later, an adjunct instructor. I taught animation, character design, storyboarding, job search skills, and portfolio.

Animator
Jet City Studios / 2000 - 2003
I created animations, character designs, and user interfaces for the children's market. We shipped titles for ABC, Disney, and Hasbro.
Activities

Panelist
Pax Dev / 2012
AIGA / 2016
The Fine Print
Born: Friday the 13th
Raised: Alaska
Lives: New York
Married/Kids: Yes/Two
Pets: Dogs, Snake
Tattoos: Yes (multiple)
Movie: Jaws
TV: Star Trek
Star: Jackie Chan
Music: Prince
Beatle: George
Instrument: Ukulele
Day: Halloween
Sport: Basketball
Sandwich: Club
Game: Darts
D&D: Yes
Class: Monk