Sammich Studios is the moniker I work under on a freelance basis (Sam Michaels = Sammich... get it?). Specialties include custom illustration, luxury packaging design, working with small businesses, and the general ability to figure things out.I've also designed more wedding invitations for friends than I care to admit.

My friends from Dogwood Coffee opened the first Coven franchise! I lead tours for potential members, created/sent e-blasts, and was an extra set of eyes/hands at the location.

• Direct the creative efforts of the studio; including design, marketing, and culture initiatives• Provide overall creative direction and hands-on design contributions to both client commissions and in-house studio design projects • Lead the design and marketing teams to support both broad company objectives and goals of individual contributors• Partner with HR Manager to spearhead DEI initiatives, leadership development, and employee engagement opportunities• Collaborate with management team to oversee issues pertaining to the overall health of the business

• Lead, hire, and manage studio staff • Collaborate with Production Manager to increase overall studio efficiency• Oversee daily operations on the studio side of the business• Work with staff to develop and implement standard procedures to streamline office workflow• Maintain a productive and engaging work environment

• Design brand identities, luxury invitations, posters, and assorted wares• Compose contracts for design services outlining project scope and deliverables• Manage, refine, and grow the Studio On Fire brand• Foster client relationships throughout the design process• Collaborate with press operators to verify all print jobs for quality and correctness• Write blog posts detailing specialty print processes to increase client production knowledge• Work as part of a growing team to increase studio efficiency

• Design brand identities, luxury invitations, posters, and assorted wares• Prepare digital production files for letterpress printing• Manage client relationships throughout the design process• Write blog posts detailing specialty print processes to increase client production knowledge• Work as part of a growing team to increase studio efficiency

Professional Practice (GRD 4000)Spring 2015–Spring2020Professional Practice is a thorough introduction to the skills needed for a successful career in design. Visiting professionals, classroom discussions, and individual assignments assist students in the development of a print and online portfolio. Students are required to write all necessary supporting documents, including a resume, a biography, a project description/labeling system, and letters to prospective employers. Students are expected to make professional portfolio presentations and practiceinterviewing techniques. Social media best practices, job search skills, professional etiquette, and ethics are also covered.Graphic Design 2 (GRD 3030)Fall 2015–Fall 2018This intermediate course examines procedural frameworks and processes for graphic communications. A range of topics covered includes the utility of series and systems approaches, content generation models and strategies, and an expanded notion of developing and applying hierarchical content across static, static-narrative, interactive, and time-based media. Some project components require student responsibility in authoring content through linguistic, typographic, and visual approaches. At least one project requires formal documentation illustrating the design process. Outcomes range from both applied and experimental studies to mark-making and identity systems.Electronic PrePress (3080)Fall 2013This course provides students with a practical and comprehensive overview of the digital production process—from organizing, preparing, and managing digital files to achieving professional quality output. Faculty reference and demonstrate many topics, including raster- and vector-art preparation, font and color management, materials, formats, workflow, and vendor communications. Students examine standards, apply techniques, and employ terminology commonly used in contemporary practice

• Designed brand identities to support client business objectives• Researched market trends and compiled case studies• Created and executed multimedia presentations• Archived files and maintained archive database• Strengthened design presentations through written design briefs