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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.

 

In my twenty years in the industry, 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.

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

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Monte Michaelis

Design and Creative Leader

Resume

in words:

in songs:

Contact

+1 425 501-74216

Leadership History

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Creative Director

Hypixel Studios - Riot Games / Remote
March 2023 - Present

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Interactive Creative Director

Amazon / Remote
May 2022 - Jan 2023

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Director of Experience Design

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

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Head of Creative

Collibra / New York, NY
Oct 2019 - Apr 2020

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VP of Creative Innovation

Arkadium / New York, NY
Sept 2018 - Oct 2019

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Mixed Reality Creative Director

Microsoft / Redmond, WA
Jul 2016 - Aug 2018

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Creative Director / UX Manager

Geocaching / Seattle, WA
May 2014 - Jun 2016

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Art Director

Electronic Arts / Seattle, WA
Sept 2009 - Feb 2013

Expertise

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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

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Education

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Bachelor of Science

Graphic Design / 2006

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

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Associate of Applied Arts

Computer Animation / 2000

The Art Institute of Seattle

Early Career
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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.

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Teacher

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

Image by Robert Ritchie
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
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Mentor

ADPList / 2021 - Present

Hexagon UX / 2018 - Present

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Panelist

Pax Dev / 2012

AIGA / 2016

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Maker

Pins

Patches

The Fine Print

Born: Friday the 13th

Sign: Aquarius
Raised: Alaska
Lives: New York
Pets: Dog, Snake
Tattoos: 39 (and counting)

Movie: Jaws
TV: Star Trek
Star: Jackie Chan

Book: "DON'T PANIC!"
Music: Prince
Beatle: George

Day: Halloween

Sport: Basketball
Fan: Pro Wrestling

Sandwich: Club

Game: Card, Board

D&D: Monk

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