is a multidisciplinary creative and art director based out of Philadelphia. He creates visual concepts and transforms them into various languages such as moving image, digital media and emotional connective experiences. The authenticity of his work lies in his creative process in which he blends storytelling with new digital tools. He narrates his stories through a fine aesthetic and the beauty in connection – the result is a unique style that breaks through by reminding us of the human touch in a digital age.

Michael is a graduate of the University of the Arts where he studied visual arts, multi media, and film. For the past 20 years he has worked in the creative fields of advertising, marketing, branding, campaign strategy, corporate communications, social media, and graphic design.

He is an experienced Creative Director, Art Director, writer, and filmmaker specializing in graphic and motion design, strategy and branding, style frames and concept development. He is also the founder of IllumeCreative, which is a creative services agency focused on creative digital marketing.

Michael won a Student Academy Award for his University of the Arts thesis film, worked on the development of a documentary series on the History of Philadelphia, and is currently involved in the production of a short film and several children’s books. He has worked for multi-billion dollar corporations, start up e-commerce solution centers, WHYY, PBS, and as a creative consultant and freelancer for many businesses in the greater Philadelphia area. He is currently at work as the Creative Director for a healthcare group that has operations in 7 states.

RECOGNITION & AWARDS

City Council of Philadelphia Citation (2019)

The National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts ~ Alumni Grant (1998)

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ~ Student Academy Award (2000)

The Heartland Film Festival ~ The Jimmy Stuart Memorial Crystal Heart Award (2000)

City Paper Film Festival ~ Best Experimental Film – (2000)

Black Mariah Film Festival ~ Director’s Choice Citation (2000)

Nashville Independent Film Festival ~ Official Selection (2000)

Big Bear Lake International Film Festival ~ Official Selection (2000)

The St. Louis International Film Festival ~ Official Selection (2000)

The Annie E. Sinnott Senior Film Award ~ Best Film Production (1999)

The University of the Arts ~ President’s Award (1999)

Interviewed on National Public Radio ~ (September 23, 1999)

WORK EXHIBITED (INDEPENDENT FILM)

Bravo – A&E ChannelThe Independent Film Channel ~ (Airing 2000-2001) PBS WHYY’s Independent Images Competition ~ (Airing 1999-2000) WYBE’s Philadelphia Stories ~ (Airing 1999-2000)

WORK EXHIBITED (COMMERCIAL WORK)

NBC, ABC, CBS, Comcast, MTV, OWN, A&E, Lifetime, BET, PBS, Hulu