Studio Michael Aberman is a design studio focusing on print, identity, publication, exhibition, and interactive work with clients primarily within the art, architecture, and academic sectors. Since 2020 the studio has been in frequent collaboration with Los Angeles–based design studio IN-FO.CO on a range of identity and interactive work for art and architecture clients.- Run the creative and business trajectory of the studio- Create innovative and profitable identity and interactive work- Acquire and develop long-term relationships with clients- Establish the scope of personnel needs for each new project- Form and lead mixed internal-external teams (typically 3–7 people) comprised of a rotating cast of designers, writers, photographers, videographers, animators, editors, and developers.- Storyboard and art direction of photography, video, and animation- Build and maintain a list of contractors in publishing, interactive media, film and video, and environmental design- Content strategy and design for websites

Frank is a small imprint for artist projects. Operating as a space in which art and ideas are passed between friends, Frank’s interest is in the ability of these conversations to make their way into the world.- Conceive and develop new projects with partner and external artists, writers, editors, and organizations.- Co-manage all business strategies and growth- Co-edit all publications- Design all products and publications- Periodically write and create content for publications- Design custom typography- Design, art direct, build and maintain the Frank website: frankfrank.org- Oversee the production of all products and publications- Handle the fulfillment and shipping of rolling product orders

An 8-month embedded position re-envisioning the visual and spatial strategy and design of the museum’s communications during a time of organizational transition for UMOCA. Key projects and initiatives include:- Initial strategic discovery phase analyzing and understanding the organization’s current practices- 2-3 months of testing new design approaches to advertising, marketing campaigns, educational, and interpretive materials.- Maximize output and reach within a tightly constrained budget- Design and implement new exterior and interior signage strategy for marketing and exhibitions- Design of five marketing campaigns for exhibitions and events

A year-long residency focused on the design and execution of a new visual identity system, content strategy, and institutional voice for the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland.- Ran an initial strategic discovery phase analyzing the organization’s current practices- Led a one-day workshop with all full-time staff (20+ people), establishing common vocabulary through the review of contemporary museum branding.- Led a two-day workshop to understand internal strengths and external perceptions, as well as goals, values, and future positioning of the organization. - Convened departmental meetings to further refine our understanding of the needs and deficiencies across the organization- Bi-monthly presentations to the museum leadership and board members (10 people)Coordinated, consolidated, and implemented the feedback from museum stakeholders into each new phase of the project.- Wrote, designed, and delivered two extensive corresponding guideline documents—Institutional voice and Visual Identity—to be implemented by the internal team across forms of media and communications

Led the award-winning Design and Publications department (2–3 designers and one editor) in designing and producing all museum print, environmental, digital, and interactive communications. Contracted and directed external typographers, web developers, photographers, and videographers. For AAM’s $75M+ new building construction, every aspect of the design system and visitor experience was rethought and improved. Key projects and responsibilities include:- Build, direct, and mentor the newly formed Design and Publications team- Create and manage department schedule and budget- Design of a new comprehensive visual identity system serving implemented as the framework for all subsequent design work (still in use)- Work with museum leadership and board on new museum communication initiatives and strategies- Design branded products and apparel for the museum shop- Manage the Aspen Art Press (AAM’s publishing imprint) list and budget; design 20+ publications during my tenure- Interior wayfinding and architectural signage (with Shigeru Ban Architects) for the new 33,000 sqft structure - Design for a multi-faceted 24hr opening event- Design for six annual $2M+ fundraising events- Create a new museum-wide interpretive materials strategy, including the design and production of exhibition displays and furniture and 40+ exhibition guides- Designed and produced a new in-gallery signage and labeling strategy for exhibitions and artworks- Creative direction for new museum website (with Linked by Air)- Art Direction for exhibition documentation and marketing photography, and video- Conception and design of 15+ marketing campaigns for events, exhibitions, educational initiatives, and general museum activities- Collaborate with the Museum Education department on a new approach to educational materialsName, concept, design, and content strategy for new museum journal: Permanent Collection