- Below is a sampling of my professional art direction and art creation
Additional print and digital pieces available on request
Please direct any questions or resume requests to MichaelAMorel@gmail.com 
MannBehindTheCurtain.comWebsite for Jenn Mann, Executive Producerdigital
The client requested a website that shows off her work and entices visitors to stay and learn about her.After brainstorming with the client, I concepted a cross between a blueprint and a map that tells the story ofher career yet reflects the importance of audience engagement in her work. The style has a currentgraphic feel, launching from the rise of infographics and the interest in illustrative website design.The client was thrilled and is using the site to showcase her case studies.
Concept / Design / Art Creation
Illustrator / Photoshop / Fireworks / Dreamweaver
Space150 redesign
print / digital
A redesign concept piece for Space150. All elements were to be created from green materials. Augmented Reality business cards link back to personal information. Star puzzle adds iconic physical interactive element.
Everything in this image is synthetic (not a photograph).
Art Conception / Art Creation
Photoshop / Illustrator
Art and Graphs
print / digital
The client requested a graphic calendar showing motion and history. Instead of giving a standard timeline,
I concepted a moving ribbon, with a stylized arc fading into the distance to show it has a past. The strong graphical calendar ribbon easily lent itself to a series of ribbon charts which kept the style flowing through the presentation.
The client used all the elements.
Art Direction / Art Creation
Photoshop / Illustrator
Pontiac Motorati Island passport for Second Life locations
print
The client wanted a giveaway for their booth at a number of auto shows, particularly one that enticed their booth visitors to also visit Pontiac Motorati Island in Second Life. I came up with the idea of a passport to the island to give visitors a taste of the island's multitude of locations and events. The first page is easily personalized with the visitor's avatar, enticing them to sign up and visit Pontiac Montorati Island right at the booth. The client was delighted and used these at every show.
Art Direction / Art Creation
Phtoshop / Illustrator / InDesign
Pontiac Motorati Island (SecondLife) crossover with Maxim Hot 100
digital
The client needed a cross-promotional page with Maxim's Maxim Hot 100 website to introduce visitors to
Pontiac Motorati Island. I concepted the postcards of the locations mentioned in the descriptions to add visual
reference with a "Wish you were here" vibe. I created the sub-UX and laid out the pages and the popups.
Overall, I kept the style slick like a cherry car.
Art Direction / Art Creation
Photoshop- Glass Shield
print
The client was looking for a visual representation of protection. I kept the shielding around the family as transparent as possible. The only hints of it are the warping of the world at the edge, the reflection of the world on the sides and the light gently scattering over the left side. Finally, I wrapped the copy on the glass, to reemphasize the point. The warm lighting and the transparency makes the image inviting.
Art Creation
Photoshop - Architectural Illustration Style
print
The client wanted the device reinterpreted in a crisp architectural illustration style. Using a photograph as reference, I hand-drew the fine line work, trying to capture the excitement of putting the original blueprints on paper for the final time before the device begins production.
Art Creation
Photoshop / Illustrator - Watercolor Style
print
The client requested an artistically rendered device image, leaving the medium choice to me. In my exploration, I discovered a marker wash style, which allowed my natural hand movements to bring personality into the final piece. The client decided to use this version with the addition of a background.
Art Creation
Photoshop - Clay Style
print
The client wanted device to be made from clay. I overlaid clay texture and coloring, keeping in mind final production models.
Art Creation
Photoshop - Metal Staple
print
The client requested a beauty image of a surgical staple. I imagined the staple as a high-class appliance, visualizing the solid arch of metal with the strong shine of a fine stainless steel faucet. I placed it on a stage, giving it shadows as if illuminated by multiple spotlights. From this, multiple versions were created for different print uses.
Art Creation
Photoshop - Chance
print
Client asked for a slot machine placed in a man's chest. Having recently been to Vegas, I had a clear picture of what it should look like. I created all the elements in Photoshop except for the reel symbols. The client won her pitch.
Art Creation
Photoshop / Illustrator - SXSW Interactive panel marketing campaign
print / digital
The client wanted promotional materials for a SXSW Interactive panel. I concepted and created 360ยบ guerilla-marketing
materials including five promotional buttons, flyer giveaways, website identity and a rebus cypher gateway puzzle
for the website. All materials were interwoven with elements for, and integral to panel ARG. Two protesters handed out the materials to SXSW interactive attendees, so the material had to be eye catching, subversive looking and humorous. Their acts, supported by the materials, were caught by news channels and became the talk of the convention.
Art Direction / Art Creation
Photoshop / Illustrator / InDesign - visual aid charts
print
Client wanted a "clean" and manicured chart style with a touch of zing. I concepted this style for the charts. The long gradients give a sweeping quality to the charts and ties them together. The dot pattern in the bar charts and the bevels in the line and pie charts give nuances of tech style.
Art Direction / Art Creation
Illustrator - Glossy Charts
print
The client requested a dimensional chart. I concepted a chart moving into the distance using high gloss indicators. After some refinement of the data by the client, the final chart was created using the spheres as initially conepted.
Art Creation
Illustrator - Device ads, inserts and bands
print
Client was looking for advertisement that would work in various formats and would follow their logo image. I created synthetic tubing in Photoshop that could be easily moved to accept copy. I laid out the ads, inserts and bands making sure the copy was properly highlighted with the synthetic tubing and that everything was well balanced on the page.
Art Direction / Art Creation
Photoshop / InDesign - Intricate Pie Graphs
print
Client wanted a updated version of their pie chart. I decided to make it reflective but not go overboard,
so I gave it dimension, gloss and transparency.
Art Creation
Illustrator - CS Magazine
print / digital
I controlled the creative of the entire 10-year run of a national magazine,
including artist selection, layout, logo creation, branding, website, and support materials.
Creative Direction / Art Direction / Design / Art Creation
Photoshop / Illustrator / InDesign - The Calendar
digital
I had a nightmare about a Mayan calendar. Instead of letting it ruin my day, I twisted it around
and turned it into a stand alone flash game.
Concept / Art Direction / Art Creation
Photoshop / Illustrator
