Open to opportunities

Mike Dobson

@mikedobson

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Results-driven Creative Director with 12+ years in brand design.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a role that allows me to leverage my creative expertise in brand development and design, while fostering collaboration and innovation within a dynamic team.

As a Creative Director and Graphic Designer with over 12 years of experience, I have a proven track record of transforming brand visions into award-winning designs that drive consumer engagement and sales. My unique perspective as a brand owner allows me to deliver strategic branding solutions from concept to execution. I have had the privilege of working with esteemed clients such as Hearst Magazine, JP Morgan, Sony, and Xbox, where I led brand development and packaging design for Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG).

At Optical Pop Designs, I spearheaded creative projects from concept to production, crafting brand identities that not only boost visibility but also build consumer trust. My role as Co-Founder and COO of Happy Day Gourmet, LLC, has further honed my skills in brand development, marketing, and operations, allowing me to scale a nationally recognized snack brand successfully. I take pride in developing cohesive brand identities and securing high-profile retail partnerships that enhance brand visibility through strategic marketing campaigns.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Co-Founder & COO

Current

Happy Day Gourmet, LLC dba Pop Art Snacks

Jan 2011 - Present (14 years 6 months)

Built and scaled a nationally recognized snack brand, overseeing brand development, marketing, and operations. Directed packaging design, flavor innovation, and product development, driving successful launches in major retail.

Brand Development Marketing Operations Management Packaging Design Product Development

Current

Creative Director & Designer

Current

Optical Pop Designs

Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Led brand development and packaging design for CPG clients, creating award-winning visuals that boost visibility. Led creative projects from concept to production, crafting brand identities that drive sales and build consumer trust.

Brand Development Packaging Design Visual Storytelling Creative Direction Brand Identity

Photographer, Art Director & Graphic Designer

Echo Imagery & Design

Jan 2007 - Dec 2010 (3 years 11 months)

Created high-impact visual content for global clients, covering editorial photography and graphic design. Executed advanced retouching and color correction, ensuring print-ready assets for diverse applications.

Photography Art Direction Graphic Design Color Correction Website Design

Graphic Designer

Origin Studios

Jan 2003 - Dec 2005 (2 years 11 months)

Crafted digital assets, including HTML newsletters, web banners, and animations for clients like Xbox and PlayStation. Elevated brand aesthetics through advanced photo retouching and digital enhancements.

Digital Assets Web Banners Animation

Graphic Designer

Hearst Corporation

Jan 2005 - Dec 2007 (2 years 11 months)

Developed visually compelling PowerPoint presentations and marketing collateral for high-profile clients. Enhanced brand storytelling through custom graphics, retouching, and layout design.

PowerPoint Marketing Collateral Graphic Design Storytelling Layout Design

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of San Diego

B.A. Interdisciplinary Humanities, Interdisciplinary Humanities

Studied Interdisciplinary Humanities with an emphasis in English. Gained a comprehensive understanding of various humanities disciplines and developed strong analytical and communication skills.

ITC International

TEFL Certification, English Language Teaching

Completed the TEFL certification program, focusing on teaching English as a foreign language. Acquired practical skills and methodologies for effective language instruction.

FAMU - School of Photography

Photography, Photography

Attended the School of Photography, focusing on various aspects of photographic art and technique. Developed skills in visual storytelling and image creation.