Mike Silcher
Senior Graphic Designer · MS Designs (Self-Employed)
Santa Cruz, CA
In My Own Words
Hi, my name is Mike Silcher. I am a creative professional in Santa Cruz, California, with over two decades of experience. I am recognized for my expertise in developing visually compelling and cohesive brand identities for diverse clients, from startups to established corporations. My work spans various industries, including action sports and professional photography. I have meticulous attention to detail, consistently delivering exceptional results, establishing me as a prominent figure in the creative field.
My roles have involved various responsibilities, including conceptual development and final production. I have designed magazine advertisements, created cohesive branding components, and developed exhibition displays. Additionally, I supervise the production of annual product catalogs and promotional flyers, collaborating with staff photographers to refine the creative direction of product imagery and ensure the effectiveness of the photographic results.
Focusing primarily on marketing strategies within action sports, photography, and retail, I work closely with the Vice President of Marketing and the Production Manager to coordinate the creative team. This collaboration includes liaising with photographers and vendors to produce high-quality brand imagery for print and digital platforms.
With a strong emphasis on innovation and quality, I effectively address client needs while engaging target audiences. I navigate projects from initial concepts to final execution, showcasing my passion for creativity throughout the process. My reliability in delivering projects on schedule enhances my reputation as an essential contributor within any team.
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My Mission
As a Senior Graphic Designer and Creative Director, I aim to harness original creativity and innovative strategies while maintaining the highest quality standards to achieve exceptional results. Establishing a brand is a complex process that requires unwavering dedication, enthusiasm, and drive—essential elements for elevating a brand to a leading position in its industry and ensuring its long-term success.
As a leader and collaborator, I bring the strategic insight and technical knowledge necessary to achieve our goals. I believe in leveraging collaborative efforts to advance our initiatives and ensure each project yields a unique result. Let’s work together to transform our conceptual frameworks into tangible realities.
Open For Work
Freelance | Contract | Part-time | Full-time
Please feel free to contact me at msdesigns21@yahoo.com
Work Experience
Graphic Designer | Creative Director
MS Designs (Self-Employed)2023 – Present
As a Senior Graphic Designer and Creative Director, I engage deeply with clients to refine and elevate their brand identity. My professional focus spans various projects, including brand design, art directing product and lifestyle photography, strategic advertising campaigns, retail and trade show signage, packaging design, and developing print and digital marketing collateral. I manage the entire design process, from initial conceptualization to final production, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence in the marketplace. My role encompasses comprehensive oversight of design elements and art direction to optimize visual communication and brand strategy.
Senior Graphic Designer
BayPhoto Lab (Sensaria)2019 – 2023
February 2013 to July 2014 (4 years 1 month)
As the Senior Designer at Bay Photo Lab, I rebranded to raise the visibility of one of the top Professional Photo Labs in the US, marketing to Wedding, Portrait, and Nature Professional Photographers. This included projects from initial concept creation to final execution, applying to magazine advertisements, cohesive branding, and displays for multi-scaled trade show exhibits with coordinated collateral, annual product catalogs, and promotional flyers. Art Directing assistance with the staff photographers to organize the creative strategy of the stylization of products (Metal Prints, Acrylic Prints, Wood Prints, Framed Prints) ensured the team succeeded in ”getting the shot.”
Senior Graphic Designer
O'Neill Wetsuits LLC2014 – 2019
July 2005 to January 2009 February 2009 to May 2010 (10 years)
As the Senior Graphic Designer for O’Neill Wetsuits, my creativity targeted the Surfing, Wakeboarding, and Stand-Up Paddling industries. I was responsible for the annual product catalogs, ad concepts, and execution of the marketing campaigns, seasonal hangtags, and interior/exterior point-of-purchase for the brand. I worked one-on-one with the VP of Marketing Communications and directly with our Production Manager to schedule and assign tasks to the creative staff. I used photographers and other outside vendors as needed to meet all deadlines and produce top-level imagery/branding.
Junior Graphic Designer
Nordic Naturals – Omega-3 Fish Oil2011 – 2013
As an in-house Junior Graphic Designer for Nordic Naturals, a leading brand in the Omega-3 Fish Oil brand, I managed a diverse range of design initiatives. My role encompassed the entire design workflow, from ideation to execution. I developed magazine advertisements and in-store and trade show signage that effectively communicated brand messaging. Additionally, I designed packaging displays and catalogs, focusing on usability and consumer education. I also produced promotional materials for events and various print collateral to inform retail customers, healthcare professionals, and patients about our products and their benefits.
