Photoshoots
I'm not a photographer—though I have the eye for it. I just rarely get the time. What I do have is a lot of experience working closely with photographers on architectural shoots, and I'm good at it.
Early on, an architect shared a Le Corbusier quote with me: "A house is a machine for living in." Then he added that any building is a machine—some you live in, some you work in, some you go to for entertainment or to get your license renewed. That was an "ah-ha" moment for me, and I've approached every photoshoot with that in mind.
My process starts with the architects. We identify the most intriguing aspects—the moments, as they call them—and discuss which design elements will photograph best. Then I work with the photographer to capture those moments.
It's about translation: taking what makes a building compelling and helping the photographer tell that story.
Branding
I've worked within hundreds of brands standards over 25+ years. In that time I’ve even created a few.
For globally recognized names like McDonald's and Applebee's, I created content and assets that had to meet their standards. For smaller companies and startups, I've built brands from scratch or led rebranding efforts. All of them taught me something, and I've collaborated with brand-savvy creatives to help companies create identities that are authentic to them, resonate with customers and rally employees.
That range of experience gave me a masterclass in what works. I even developed my own brand discovery system for tackling new brands and rebrands, followed by a system to collaboratively develop the brand’s assets.
Through a mix of direct work and agency collaborations, I’ve contributed to creative for a wide range of brands. Here’s a sampler platter.
Folks Saying Nice Things
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Michael is a positive team player and a hard worker. More than that, he’s a very talented artist and designer. He has the combo of passion and knowledge, and throw in the fact that he’s a great human and you’ve got the ideal team member.
Tom Hurlbert, Principal Architect and Owner | CO-OP Architecture
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Few people bring as much creativity, warmth, and joy to a team as Mike Hay. He is a gifted art director and illustrator, with a talent for brand strategy and a knack for building relationships.
Andrew Eide, Manager, Marketing Content Strategy | Sammons Financial
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Mike showcased immediate and refined starting points for his team. He was able to facilitate a design process that was approachable and simple for users. I appreciated the stress-free communication and selfless production style he displayed.
Lucas Lorenzen, Project Executive | ISG
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Mike has a true designer's eye and believes passionately in the power of good design. He is easy to work with and I often found myself looking for his design feedback and collaboration outside of the usual marketing and graphics design confines
Chase Kramer, Director of Design | TSP Inc.
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What has stood out to me is Mike's instinct to serve the people around him. In one meeting, Mike quietly noticed my empty coffee cup and offered to refill it. It was such a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. That’s how he shows up on teams: he pays attention, anticipates needs and supports others. Mike brings humility, care and a true sense of collaboration.
Kristi Wire, Founder & Strategic Brand Guide | Wire Design Company
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Having worked with Michael for three years on a wide variety of marketing initiatives (and LED light fixtures), I can say with conviction that he's a strong strategic thinker, talented artist, wiz in all things Adobe, and a pleasure to work with. He's a friend. I'm confident he'd benefit any workplace looking for such a candidate.
Justin Kautz, Associate Planner | CO-OP Architecture