Michael is available for hire
Hire MichaelMichael Signal
Verified Expert in Design
Designer
Location
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Toptal Member Since
March 23, 2017
Michael is an experienced creative director with over 20 years of industry experience in all aspects of the design process. He's gained his experience by founding a web design agency as well as working for a larger global telco organization as their creative digital lead. Michael has an acute sense of visual design aesthetics and strives for continuous improvement outcomes—this experience has led to his own startup initiatives.
Portfolio
Work Experience
Creative Director
2015 - PRESENT
ebPearls
- Created functional and beautiful user experiences for web and mobile applications; he bridges user needs and business goals to deliver the most creative and strategic UX and design solutions.
- Served as the creative brains of the company and led the UX and UI team at EB Pearls. Experienced in interaction design (15+ years) and has designed digital products for 1,200+ companies all over the world.
- Made significant changes to the team's morale and quality output in a time of change for the organization.
Technologies: Adobe, Figma, Atlassian, Web Design, UI Design, Fintech
Founder | Director
1997 - PRESENT
Artichoke
- Founded his own interactive agency called Artichoke Design, which has proven to be a successful business for over 16 years.
- Created and led a team that has launched over 300 live sites, countless publications, brands, and mobile applications for innovative businesses.
- Crafted successful visual designs that enhance a user's experience by delivering a unified experience that answers the "why" question.
- Focused his passion on creating new ways people interact with technology. thanks to his ever-growing knowledge within the startup industry.
Technologies: Figma, Adobe
Digital Design Director
2017 - 2020
Geronimo
- Brought digital experiences to life on behalf of DMG. The role covers all touch points from apps, websites, brand, and most importantly the end user experience.
- Helped transform the user experiences of the following clients including Amex, Fox Sports, Red Rooster, Spacenow, Zip, and Sports Where I am.
- Led the growth of the business—becoming the leading new digital agency in Sydney.
Technologies: Jira, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, InVision, Adobe Photoshop, Sketch
Creative Director | Senior Manager of Design and User Experience
2013 - 2016
Singtel Optus
- Crafted the visual design language of the digital products across Singtel/Optus Digital.
- Encouraged the design team to follow the best engagement practices for the optimum value and return.
- Established the touch points of the organization with a focus on mobile and web.
- Worked remotely with a smaller team in Sydney while I was based in Singapore.
- Built trust and instilled a good design process. Delivering consistently high-quality applications and sites. Worked across multiple large teams for the digital group whilst meeting deadlines.
Technologies: InVision, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
Senior Designer
2012 - 2013
Optus
- Crafted the visual design of Klink—a cloud storage file system.
- Mentored and led the design team of GDL on various web and mobile applications.
- Bridged the gap between marketing, UX, product, design, and development.
- Implemented a significant change in the team's morale and quality output.
Technologies: Axure, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
Digital Cartographer
1993 - 1997
Lonely Planet
- Digitized analog maps to digital maps for the web.
- Curated slideshows for the web. Designed a website that won numerous awards for its time when the web was evolving.
- Created beautifully designed, easy-to-use mobile apps put the breadth and depth of Lonely Planet's travel content in the palm of your hand.
Technologies: CorelDRAW, AutoCAD
Education
1989 - 1993
Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology (Cartography)
RMIT University - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia