Michael James Clarke

About

With a diverse educational background from OCAD University and Fanshawe College, Michael has built a robust career in design and creative direction. As the founder of James Made since 2006, Michael has delivered innovative design solutions, leveraging expertise in UX/UI design and tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. At Housecall Pro, Michael led a cross-functional team, ensuring projects aligned with business objectives and user needs. As Creative Director at Evoke, Michael developed comprehensive branding for IBM's Weavesphere conference. At PKG Carry Goods, Michael rebranded the company, boosting sales and market presence. At Vish, Michael enhanced user satisfaction through research-driven, user-centric designs.

Experience

• Creative Director & Photographer · James Made01-01-2006

  Founded and led James Made, a successful freelance design studio specializing in delivering innovative and impactful design solutions. Leveraged expertise in UX/UI design to conceptualize and execute a wide range of projects, from brand identities to immersive user experiences. Utilized strong proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite to consistently deliver high-quality designs that met and exceeded client expectations. Developed a reputation for creativity, excellence, and client satisfaction, resulting in a strong portfolio of successful projects.

• Product Designer II · Housecall Pro07-01-2022 – 05-01-2024

  Spearheaded the UX/UI design process using the Shape Up methodology, leading a cross-functional team comprising a Product Manager, Technical Lead, and eight Engineers. Oversaw the initial shaping phase, where I conducted extensive research, developed flow charts, and created rough mockups to precisely define project scope and requirements. Partnered closely with the Product Manager and senior management during the shaping process to refine project proposals. Worked collaboratively to ensure that each project aligns with business objectives and user needs, securing essential approvals before advancing to the development phase. Worked intimately with the development team to refine project specifications, assess feasibility, and establish MVP criteria within the project's appetite. Continuously engaged with developers to address potential blockers and refine product features throughout the development cycle. Conducted rigorous design reviews on completed features to ensure alignment with initial design specifications and user experience goals. Wrote detailed tickets for any necessary design modifications, bug fixes, or enhancements. Oversaw the transition from design review to QA testing, ensuring all design-related issues are resolved prior to final staging. Guided features through to final implementation, monitoring the transition from QA testing to staging, and finally to general availability. Ensure that all design elements are flawlessly executed and meet both internal standards and user expectations.

• Creative Director · Evoke03-01-2022 – 11-01-2022

  Directed the development and execution of comprehensive branding and design for IBM's X Evoke's inaugural Weavesphere conference. Designed the entire suite of conference materials, including the official website, PowerPoint presentations, pitch decks, and visual assets, establishing a cohesive and impactful brand identity.

• Senior Creative Director · PKG Carry Goods11-01-2021 – 07-01-2022

  Led the creative direction at PKG Carry Goods, overseeing all visual aspects of the brand, including imagery, social media assets, packaging design, and web development. Successfully rebranded the company's image, resulting in increased brand awareness and a significant boost in sales from new customers. Ensured a cohesive visual identity across all platforms, directly contributing to the company's growth and market presence.

• Senior Product Designer · Vish06-01-2021 – 06-01-2022

  Collaborated with marketing teams and end-users to identify and resolve usability issues, enhancing user satisfaction through tailored, elegant solutions. Led the creation of a unified visual and design system across multiple platforms, increasing brand consistency and user engagement. Conducted extensive quantitative and qualitative research, gathering insights from diverse user groups to inform user-centric designs; developed user flow diagrams and journey maps to visualize user experience enhancements.

Education

• OCAD University
• Fanshawe College

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