ArtCenter College of Design

Palomar College

Creative Director (Art) and strategic thinker with a passion for leading and inspiring creative teams to develop amazing brand experiences though storytelling for print, digital, web, and social media.

Kodi Collective

Sr. AI Creative Designer

Specializing in AI-driven image generation through advanced prompt development. Leveraging extensive creative direction skills to guide projects and deliver long-term value for clients.

• Develop sophisticated AI prompts for image generation, enhancing B2B marketing strategies with high-impact visual assets that elevate client engagement in competitive markets.

• Pioneer innovative frameworks for integrating AI-generated imagery into client branding guidelines, significantly advancing brand management practices and ensuring long-term visual consistency.

• Leverage creative direction expertise to guide projects holistically, aligning AI-driven solutions with overarching client goals and future market trends.

• Craft and refine AI prompts to ensure consistent production of high-quality, on-brand visual assets, resulting in positive client feedback and strengthened brand identities.

• Translate complex client requirements into effective, creative AI solutions, driving business growth and enhancing customer satisfaction through visually compelling content.

• Serve as a thought leader in AI-driven design, providing strategic guidance to clients and internal stakeholders to ensure successful project execution and long-term impact.

• Foster cross-functional collaboration by integrating AI workflows, championing innovation while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and future industry directions.

• Continuously research and implement emerging AI technologies in image generation, keeping the company at the forefront of innovation in the design industry.

• Demonstrate success in delivering customized AI visual solutions that set new standards in design and marketing, contributing to innovative practices in AI-driven creative services.

SketchDeck

A.I. Prompt Engineer / Designer

Founder of an AI consultancy leveraging generative AI for creative development and branding initiatives. Combining technical AI skills with extensive art and creative direction experience to drive innovation in AI content creation and AI-Driven marketing strategies.

• Mastered Gen AI text and Video AI technologies including Bard, ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, DALL-E, Gemini, Firefly, Invideo AI, Leonardo AI, Meta AI, Midjourney, Perplexity, Pika, Runway ML, Stable Diffusion, Suno AI, Udio

• Pioneered "AI Stacking" – an innovative process integrating multiple AI tools to efficiently generate, edit, and enhance image and video assets, streamlining the creation of high-quality, branded content.

• Develop high-converting AI prompts for text-to-image and video assets, optimizing workflows and enhancing operational efficiency across various formats including landing pages, presentations, and social media.

• Create AI-generated branded assets and product mockups that drive engagement and reinforce brand recognition.

• Designed and led AI workshops, educating clients on leveraging AI for creative processes and fostering innovation in project planning and execution.

• Collaborate with tech teams to refine AI prompt training, ensuring alignment with project goals and client needs.

• Enhance brand visibility through AI-powered, data-driven strategies and personalized marketing campaigns.

• Advise on ethical considerations and best practices for responsible AI adoption within business practices.

I A.I.

AI Prompt Developer / Asset Creation Specialist / AI Innovation Consultant

Led creative strategy and execution for a leading merchandise company in the music and entertainment industry. Expertise in integrating AI technology with graphic design for creative asset development and strategic brand promotion to elevate brand visibility and audience engagement.

• Led cross-functional teams in leveraging AI for innovative brand promotion and digital asset creation.

• Implemented processes for streamlined project management and client onboarding, reducing client revisions by 0.85% and enhancing overall efficiency

• Utilized AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and DALL-E to enhance brainstorming, resulting in a 2% increase in creative design development and a 125% increase in premium design production and sales

• Leveraged AI tools in conceptualizing, designing, and scripting compelling Business Pitch Decks and New Artist Licensing initiatives, significantly enhancing presentation capabilities. This initiative played a pivotal role in acquiring new clients and partners, showcasing the practical application of AI in strategic business communications.

• Negotiated software vendor discounts, saving the company $18,353.04 annually, significantly impacting profitability. 

• Resolved inter-departmental conflicts by conducting in-depth research and discussions. Developed and implemented a comprehensive strategy that clearly outlined roles, responsibilities, and processes, significantly enhancing communication, project scheduling, and overall operational efficiency.

• Directed merchandise design for high-profile country artists including Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch, Sam Hunt, and Riley Green, as well as legendary acts like Loretta Lynn and music festivals such as Faster Horses and Tortuga.

This role underscored my expertise in merging creative direction with AI innovation and strategic team management, driving not only transformative change in brand marketing but also fostering a harmonious and efficient team environment.

futureshirts

Creative Director

Championed the fusion of creative design with emerging technologies. My focus on innovative digital marketing strategies laid the groundwork for my expertise in AI-enhanced content creation, bridging artistic vision with technological advancement.

• Led and defined the creative vision for print and digital campaigns for developing Pharmaceutical medications ensuring deliverables met and exceeded client high standards of quality, creativity, and production.

• Leveraged UI/UX expertise to craft engaging user-friendly website and mobile interfaces within the Pharmaceutical industry. Adhered to high industry standards to enhance user experience and customer engagement while ensuring alignment with clients’ brand guidelines and expectations.

• Fostered clear communication and collaboration across diverse teams through the effective use of Microsoft Teams, ensuring seamless project execution and on-time delivery.

• Reviewed and provided feedback on design deliverables, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality, creativity, and user experience.

• Played a pivotal role in steering print campaigns and digital design projects within the Pharmaceutical industry. 

• Stayed abreast of industry trends and best practices, incorporating these insights into the design strategies to continuously evolve and refine the brand identity.

Intouch Solutions

Senior Art Director

Spearheaded the curriculum design, blending traditional art principles with emerging digital technologies. This role emphasized my commitment to educational excellence, curriculum innovation, and effective leadership, highlighting my ability to adapt and apply my skills in various contexts, including AI and digital technology education.

• Developed and managed innovative Graphic Design and Web & Interactive Bachelor degree programs, significantly elevating the college's educational quality and reputation.

• Led and mentored a diverse team of 18 adjunct instructors, fostering an environment rich in educational perspectives and expertise.

• Skillfully overhauled the program by developing and authoring the content for 10 rewritten courses and introducing three new ones, substantially enriching the students' knowledge base and enhancing their readiness for industry.

• Incorporated Design Thinking and UI/UX processes into graphic design courses, significantly enhancing idea generation and industry readiness among students.

• Taught a diverse range of subjects encompassing foundational art principles, advertising, branding, graphic design, typography, social media, marketing, and environmental design. This comprehensive curriculum equipped students with an extensive skill set, preparing them for the multifaceted demands of the modern industry.

• Strategically launched a brand strategy and an integrated marketing campaign, leading to a 6.4% increase in student applications and showcasing the effective integration of marketing principles in an educational setting.

• Established a simulated ad agency within the college, providing students with practical experience in a real-world setting and successfully generating $18,000 in donations for a local non-profit.

• Developed and produced video tutorials to train instructors in using Moodle LMS, greatly improving efficiency and effectiveness, and enhancing the overall educational process.

Nossi College of Art

Graphic Design Program Director / Creative Director / Higher Education Instructor

Harnessing extensive experience in advertising, marketing, and graphic design, I founded and managed a creative agency and diverse creative teams to deliver award-winning advertising and marketing campaigns for B2B, B2C, and CPG clients.

• Strategically led the creative team in the successful redesign of a CPG product's beverage label and packaging. The result was a remarkable 281% increase in sales, with a total of 3.81 times the initial sales volume achieved after the introduction of the new packaging, demonstrating the profound impact of the redesign on product visibility and consumer appeal.

• Successfully managed the March of Dimes Global Report on Birth Defects project, handling extensive data and over 10,000 assets to convey powerful social messages.

• Managed production budgets up to $500,000, consistently delivering projects within budget

• Drove an 11% increase in user engagement through the digital design and development of a mobile app and WordPress website.

• Oversaw the design and development of mobile apps and WordPress websites, showcasing my skills in web development and UI/UX design.

Kristof Creative

Creative Director (Art), Project Manager

Provided strategic leadership and direction to a team of creative professionals, delivering innovative and award-winning advertising campaigns that significantly elevated clients’ market presence and achieved key objectives across diverse industries. My tenure was marked by a commitment to excellence in brand storytelling and visual communication. 

• Managed a team of Art Directors and Copywriters, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. 

• Led the creation of innovative advertising and marketing campaigns across various mediums, including print, direct mail, and broadcast for clients such as Mobil Oil, Mobile On-the-Run, STIHL, PNC Bank, McDonald’s, and Citizens Bank.

• Spearheaded a bank acquisition and name change campaign for a regional bank that not only met KPIs but also received a prestigious EFFIE AWARD. The campaign led to a significant increase in deposits and virtually no loss of customers, outperforming the average 10% attrition rate typically associated with bank mergers.

• Played a crucial role in new business pitches, utilizing my expertise to facilitate successful client acquisitions and expand the agency’s portfolio. The campaigns executed effectively utilized creative expertise to drive growth and success across diverse industries.

• Expertly balanced creative direction with team leadership, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Arnold Worldwide

Associate Creative Director (ACD) - Art Director

During my role at AdMine.com – a pioneering startup and the first online marketplace for for acquiring unsold creative campaigns from advertising agencies and license them to local and regional businesses – I successfully led a creative team to drive significant growth.

• Led and managed a creative team of 10 professionals, driving a more efficient and effective production process.

• Conceptualized and directed the creation of 52 campaigns in 8 months across various platforms, including print, outdoor, television, and radio. These campaigns significantly improved brand awareness and sales, contributing to a 30% increase in brand awareness and a 14% increase in sales.

• Designed and executed online requests for creative work, which involved the development and writing of creative work plans resulting in a more cohesive and impactful online presence for the brand.

• Created and implemented an advertising sales program, driving online sales and promoting business services. This initiative led to a 17% increase in online revenue.

• Created and managed online production tips and procedures for the submission of creative content achieving an 11% increase in efficiency in the production process.

• Established a productive relationship with Mark Ein, the CEO of Venturehouse Group, a venture capital firm that funded AdMine.com to achieve successful project outcomes and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Admine.com

The Ramey Agency

Instrumental in developing and directing successful advertising campaigns for a diverse range of clients spanning industries like Tourism, Banking, Finance, Car Audio, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Travel. My tenure was marked by significant achievements and recognition, including driving economic growth, generating substantial revenue, winning prestigious awards, and effectively leading and mentoring a creative team.

• Spearheaded an economic development campaign resulting in a notable 23% increase in jobs created by new businesses and a 15% increase in new business startups, despite a national downturn in business creation.

• Developed a compelling financial print ad that generated an impressive $1.5 million in revenue and attracted 172 new accounts.

• Earned the “Best Read Ad” award from Fortune magazine for the year-end, double-issue investment guide.

• Garnered four “Best of Class” awards and one “Superior” award from the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) annual conference.

• Received the prestigious “Platinum Award” from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for a 30-second TV ad highlighting Mississippi as the 'birthplace of the blues'. This top-tier honor, chosen from over 1,650 international entries from 55 countries, showcases the breadth and efficacy of my creative vision. The award-winning campaign directly contributed to a 17% increase in tourism inquiries compared to the previous year.

• Managed and mentored a team of junior designers, art directors, and production artists, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

Clients included; American Diabetes Association, Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development, Mississippi Division of Tourism, PROMUS Hotel Corporation, Southern Audio Systems, St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital, Taste of the Nation, Union Planters Bank, and USA Pawn.

Art Director 

I had the unique opportunity to learn from and work with industry titan, Paul Cappelli. Michael's contributions ranged from conceptualizing and art directing print and television campaigns, particularly for Coca-Cola, to executing distinctive branding projects for a diverse roster of clients. His commitment to creative excellence and strategic thinking played a pivotal role in developing compelling brand narratives and visual identities across different sectors, including Travel and Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Music, and Health & Fitness.

• Conceptualized and art directed print and television ad campaigns for Coca-Cola, resulting in increased brand awareness and customer engagement.

• Developed unique branding projects across diverse sectors, including Travel and Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Music, and Health & Fitness, designing distinctive logos that enhanced clients’ market visibility.

• Created compelling package designs that effectively communicated brand value and appeal, leading to significant increases in sales and stronger market presence.

• Fostered robust relationships with clients and team members, ensuring seamless project execution and on-time delivery, contributing to client satisfaction and repeat business.

• Continuously updated my knowledge of industry trends, applying this understanding to produce relevant and appealing designs that resonated with target audiences and met client goals.

• Emphasized strategic thinking and creativity in all design elements, ensuring alignment with client goals and brand values.

• Continuously updated my knowledge of industry trends and applied this understanding to produce relevant and appealing designs.

The Ad Store New York

Art Director

Worked with an extensive roster of prestigious clients, interpreting their brand visions into captivating visual narratives that enhanced audience engagement and market visibility.

• National Impact: Envisioned and led the art direction for diverse campaigns across packaging, print collateral, outdoor, and broadcast mediums, including a high-impact national TV commercial for American Home Foods reaching a wide audience.

• Global Design: Designed commemorative World Cup event packaging, enhancing the global prestige of the occasion through strategic visual storytelling and design.

• Brand Growth: Leveraged collaborative approach and creative acumen to work with high-profile clients like AT&T, Band-Aid, Chef Boyardee, Colgate, Dr. Pepper, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, and MetLife, driving their brand growth and success.

• Creative Concepts: Consistently breathed life into creative concepts, crafting impactful designs that transcended advertising mediums and contributed to successful campaigns.

Michael Kristof