Hi! I’m Mike.
I'm a graphic designer and digital storyteller from Northern Ireland. I help create engaging brand & digital experiences for clients all over the world in a range of creative mediums.

I am a seasoned design professional, with 14 years at the helm of an award winning design studio. My journey has been defined by a passion for creativity, a commitment to excellence, and a relentless pursuit of innovation.



Origin Story.
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My passion for design started when I was young. I was always drawn to details and things I found to be immersive. Anytime I tried to recreate or emulate the things I saw, whether it was making my own comic book with my friends or trying to make a GameBoy out of a cereal box, I always wanted to make them as 'authentic' as possible. It has always been important to me that the things that I make be to the highest standard and quality, all the way down to the details.

I carried this passion through school and, as I developed a keen interest in computers and their graphic potential, I quickly sought to turn to computers to 'level-up' my art into Graphic Design. It was never a question to me that I wouldn't go into studying design but I always kept my eyes open to allow myself to be interested and involved in other areas of design and technology.

I went on to study Foundation Art & Design at Ulster University, followed by a Bachelor's degree in Visual communication and have been working in the design industry for over a decade. At the age of 24, I started the design studio We Are Duo, which then became Studio Mindset in 2019.  



Experience.
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In my role as the founder and leader of these studios, I have successfully steered the ship for over a decade. I have overseen the entire spectrum of operations, from project conceptualisation to execution, building and nurturing a diverse team of creative minds. This experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the intricacies of project management, resource allocation, and client satisfaction.

Working with clients worldwide has been a cornerstone of my career. I have had the privilege of engaging with diverse clients across different cultures, industries, and scales, tailoring design solutions that resonate globally. This experience has honed my ability to translate varied visions into compelling visual narratives while consistently exceeding client expectations.

My proficiency in graphic design is underpinned by a rich portfolio of projects spanning branding, digital media, and print collateral. I have a keen eye for aesthetics and a knack for translating complex concepts into visually appealing and effective designs. From concept to delivery, my commitment to design excellence and innovation continues to be unwavering.

On a practical level, I have honed my skills in design principles, leadership, client management, brand development, user experience, user interface design and web design. I have used the Adobe Creative Suite extensively for projects ranging from identy creation and print design to motion graphics and video editing. For user interface design and web development I have become proficient in Figma and have been building custom websites for clients using the powerful, next-gen no-code web development platform, Webflow.



Pushing the boundaries.

In addition to my extensive graphic design background, I have immersed myself in the world of interactive and cinematic experiences through Unreal Engine. My familiarity with Unreal Engine extends from its fundamental principles to advanced functionalities, allowing me to lead teams in the creation of cutting-edge, visually stunning projects that push the boundaries of design and technology. Today's clients expect studios to leverage the latest technology and clustomer engagement methods to win sales and raise brand awareness. It's by thinking collectively and looking beyond the conventional that I can set a studio apart from the competition and elevate it to the next level.



Where I am today.

For the past year I have been operating as the Director of Design and Storytelling in a creative startup, calle Ecko, that is pushing the boundaries between technology and entertainment. In that time I have been soley responsible for the development, prototyping and fusion of design with next generation Web3 technology to meet the expections of million dollar investment portfolios. I have also been responsible to the brand development or rebranding of new company acquisitions into the Ecko portfolio, and lead the formation of the visual voice, strategy and engagement of these companies with new and existing customer bases.



What makes me... me.

What sets me apart is not just my technical expertise but also my ability to encourage those around me to find confidence in their abilities and achieve goals beyond their perceived abilities. I have cultivated a collaborative and innovative work culture within my studios, fostering an environment where creative minds flourish. My leadership style is rooted in mentorship, empowerment, and a genuine passion for unlocking the full potential of every team member.

In conclusion, my multifaceted experience, coupled with my unwavering commitment to design excellence and innovation, makes me an asset to any client, company or organisation that I work with. I am eager to bring my skills, insights, and passion to your dynamic team, contributing to the continued success of your business.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Mike