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.
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
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
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