Hi, I’m Michelle.

RESUME

Download my resume for more on my
background and work history.

An Award-Winning Art Director, Packaging Designer, Brand Specialist and a bit of a design geek.

Over the past 20+ years, I’ve designed across just about every format you can think of. While I’ve specialized in packaging and product branding for the last decade (and I love it!), my work spans corporate marketing, fashion campaigns, brand refreshes, e-commerce content, event branding, and more. Design isn’t limited to one format…and that’s the fun of it. Whether it’s a gift set, a catalog, or a circus-themed extravaganza gala award show, I lead the creative with a clear vision, thoughtful design, and just the right amount of drama.

When I’m not designing, I’m probably making pottery, finding inspiration in small shops while traveling or geeking out over the latest sci-fi or Comic-Con-inspired series.

Let’s chat! I’m always down to talk packaging, branding, or the latest post-credit scene. Let’s make something epic!

what i do

Branding

I build bold brand identities rooted in both design and personality. From custom logos to to full-scale brand systems,I shape the visual language that sets the tone across every platform. Whether you’re launching a startup or refreshing a legacy brand, the result is strategic, recognizable, and ready to scale.

  • Trend-Driven Creative Direction + Concepts

  • Logo & Brand Identity

  • Visual Identity Systems

  • Brand Strategy & Positioning

  • Brand & Product Naming

  • Typography & Color Palettes

  • Iconography, Patterns & Illustration

  • Brand Guidelines & Toolkits

  • Copywriting & Visual Storytelling

Packaging

Packaging is the handshake, the shelf shout, the "add to cart" nudge. I design packaging that grabs attention and gets results. My work has launched products in domestic and international retail, big box stores, Amazon, and beyond.

  • Innovative Package Design & Dielines

  • Concept-Driven Product Design

  • Gift Sets, Inserts & Menu Layouts

  • Merchandise Design

  • On-Pack Copywriting

  • Retail & POP Displays

  • FDA-Compliant Layouts & Compliance

marketing

Creative that gets clicks, saves, and shelf space. I design digital and social content that connects with your audience and shows off your brand’s personality. Whether it’s a campaign, marketing materials, a product drop, or just a solid post, I’ve got you. Everything ties back to your brand and goals.

  • Scalable Marketing & Promotional Campaigns

  • Branded Collateral for Conferences, Incentive Trips, and Summits

  • Sales Decks, Fashion Catalogs & Lookbooks, as well as Promo Kits

  • Social Media, Email Campaigns & Paid Ads Design

  • D2C, B2B, and .com Creative

  • Trade Show Signage & Event Materials

  • Digital Asset Management

  • Consistent Design Across All Platforms

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Bridge)
    Figma
    Canva
    Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, SharePoint)
    Google G-suite
    Project Management Systems     (Wrike, Esko, Asana, PLM) 
    Large Format Print Production
    Digital Asset Management     (BrandFolder)

    • LogoLounge Master Library (2010) — Two published logos

    • Graphic Design USA – American In-House Design Awards (2008) — CBRE Brochure

    • Communicator Awards – Award of Excellence (2008) — CBRE Campaign

    • Graphic Design USA (2006) — Isuzu Brochure

    • Davey Awards – Silver (2006) — Isuzu Campaign

    • Communicator – Two Awards of Distinction (2004) — Transamerica Incentive Trip Announcements

  • Bachelor of Arts – Communications in Creative Advertising, Minor - Art
    California State University, Fullerton

    International Studies - Madrid, Spain
    Saint Louis University 

  • English (Fluent)
    Spanish (Conversational)

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Looking for your next senior designer?

Let’s work together! I’m currently exploring full-time roles where I can bring my love of branding, packaging, and visual storytelling to a creative, collaborative team. I’m based in Irvine, CA and open to remote, hybrid, or local in-house roles. If you’re looking for a hands-on creative lead, I’d love to hear from you.

BRAND IDENTITY • PACKAGING • MARKETING • GRAPHIC DESIGN

All inquiries will be replied to within 24 hours.

Work with me

What they’re saying

  • Michelle is the creative genius behind Ambassador's graphics and printed materials. Her work delights our clients and makes all of us look good!

    Kelly Oster, Sales Executive, Ambassadors International

  • Michelle’s leadership in managing creative projects across global and national retail spaces, as well as e-commerce platforms, has resulted in millions of dollars earned and successful product launch and designs for our brands such as The Modern Gourmet™, Thoughtfully.com, and Mancrates.com. Her keen eye for design, paired with a deep understanding of market trends, has consistently produced extraordinary results that resonate with our customer base worldwide.

    Jim Schneider, Co-CEO & President, Modern Gourmet Foods / Thoughtfully

  • As a designer, she has an uncanny ability to stay ahead of trends and transform a product vision into a captivating, market-ready design. She excels at taking concepts and turning them into visually striking pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also perfectly aligned with our brand’s identity and goals.

    Monica Kaiping, Director eCommerce Merchandising

  • A fantastically talented graphic artist. Michelle is always a pleasure to work with and can always be expected to deliver amazing work for whatever the job calls for.

    Neil Bernhart, CISM

  • Working with Michelle has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey. As my supervisor and senior designer, she wasn’t just a leader—she was a mentor, a guide, and the most awesome teammate anyone could ask for. Michelle has a remarkable ability to combine creative excellence with clear direction and support. Her feedback was always thoughtful, constructive, and inspiring, helping me grow not only as a designer but as a collaborator and problem solver.

    - Manuela Correa, Freelance Designer