
In my 25+ years as a creative professional, I've had hands-on, real-world experience leading nearly every discipline that falls under the UX umbrella. This includes UI Design, Interaction Design, Prototype Creation, Wireframes, Journey Mapping, User Testing, Persona Development and Product Management. I've lead UX workshops during discovery phases and held user testing labs. I've lead marathon requirements gathering sessions while simultaneously sketching wireframes in front of dozens of stakeholders. While I have a great deal of natural artistic skill, I have honed my ability to listen to and empathize with the user. I've had formal training in Agile development methodologies and have practiced Scrum and extreme programming practices throughout most of my career.
One of the traits I pride myself most in is that my clients trust and respect me. So much so, that many of them have become personal friends of mine long after my work engagement with them had come to an end. Early in my career, I co-owned Advanced Media Solutions, a digital agency specializing in Web Design, SEO and Social Media Marketing. During my time there, I served as Creative Director, but I also honed my skills in project and account management and sales. While I have spent the bulk of my career designing web and mobile applications, my artistic roots are grounded in print design and illustration. My college art education was spent learning to design with paint, markers, pencils and ink, but once I discovered digital design, I never looked back. Click here to view my resume.
Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of working with some of the brightest and best people you will ever meet. The testimonials which they have graciously offered to me are a testament to my belief that relationships are the backbone of success in business. I take these relationships very seriously and I value the opinions of my clients and colleagues. This is why I will always go above and beyond the expectations you set for me! Here's a sampling of testimonials from clients and peers, both past and present...
"Mike's creative talents are well complemented by his business savvy. Mike used both strengths to resolve tough business problems that were legacy issues and were unresolved by his predecessors. Additionally, Mike has a strong focus on excellence in his work. When working with Mike, the job is done well, on time, and with very little stress. As team player, he is the guy 'you can always count on'."
David Gilmartin - Director of Customer Operations @ Stream Energy
"Mike is a terrific designer. The clients we worked with loved his designs; Mike's attention to detail really makes the design stand out, and his creative ideas always seem to capture the concept the client is trying to convey. He always goes the extra mile to make sure the client is pleased, always listening to the client’s needs and responding appropriately. Mike did a great job creating designs we could incorporate into line-of-business web technologies, like content managed applications. I recommend Mike’s work without hesitation, and look forward to having an opportunity to work together again in the future."
Dave Truxall - Digital Services Lead at Perspecta
"In my long-standing business relationship with Mike, he has never ceased to amaze me with his creative ability, his professionalism and his attention to detail. As part owner of my own interactive media company, I have trusted Mike as my Creative Director on some of my largest and most important client accounts and he has never let me down. He has a way of making the client feel so comfortable and trusting, yet empowered at the same time. I would recommend Mike for any position requiring strong, creative leadership and look forward to a continued business relationship in the future."
Michael Ioco - Owner at Advanced Media Solutions
"I've had the pleasure of working with Mike multiple times over the years and really cannot say enough of his passion and ability. Whether commanding a room of executives during presentation or delivering yet another phenomenal user experience or design Mike is one of the best."
Jesse Murray - Director of MI Operations at Rightpoint
"Mike has been a pleasure to work with. He has displayed a level of professionalism in both his work ethic and the quality of his design deliverables that have exceeded my expectations. I have recommended him to collegues and they have not been disappointed. I would welcome the chance to work with Mike again as his creativity knows no bounds as far as I can see and he is always reliable and team-focused."
Cathleen O'Hare - Manager, Global Search Content at General Motors