“Whenever there is noise, make a point of listening to silence.”
Michael’s bio
First impressions count. As creative director, Michael makes sure that Parthenon’s client publications pack a visual punch – and convey the tone and mission of the organization through aesthetics. From redesigns to new projects, whether a client wants to push the envelope with an edgy look or establish authority with a more subdued design, Michael’s keen eye and more than 25 years of experience enable him to find the most creative and compelling design solutions.
Michael was a founding partner at Hammock Publishing, where he spent 10 years as creative director. Previously, he served as creative director at the Buntin Group, a Nashville ad agency. He has also designed for Texas Monthly, Houston Home & Garden and Houston City. Michael received his fine arts degree from the University of Texas.
Q&A
What living person do you most admire?
His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
What was your greatest fear as a child?
Boiled okra.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Getting two children off to college.
What is the most spontaneous thing you have ever done?
Driving to Mexico City with two French race car-driving brothers.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Wow!
Joe talks about Michael
Poor Michael. I am one of many who darken his door saying, “I’ve got an idea for that page …” and then hand him an impossible goal. The thing is, then he makes the impossible happen, thereby setting himself up for the horror to repeat itself again and again.
Michael’s eye for design never fails to amaze me. He’s able to take a finite bit of text and package it with just the right look, and feel, to make the words sing. And then he can explain the “why” of what he’s done, so I am in on the continuation of the process instead of just anchoring one small section of it. I appreciate that inclusion.