Mike Novak
Art Director / Graphic Designer
Minneapolis, MN, USAGIVING FORM TO ABSTRACT IDEAS SINCE 1999.
I'm an experienced Art Director and Graphic Designer. The bulk of my career has been in publishing, but I'm able to craft concepts into any medium. I've worked with hundreds of illustrators and photographers all around the world. I love identity work, music collateral, signage, packaging, odd requests and whatever I can get my hands on. I'm drawn to simple creative photography, unique illustrations, and telling a good story. I've created images for Fortune 500 companies to independent startups, non-profits, rock bands and softball teams. Let's change the world!
I'm an experienced Art Director and Graphic Designer. The bulk of my career has been in publishing, but I'm able to craft concepts into any medium. I've worked with hundreds of illustrators and photographers all around the world. I love identity work, music collateral, signage, packaging, odd requests and whatever I can get my hands on. I'm drawn to simple creative photography, unique illustrations, and telling a good story. I've created images for Fortune 500 companies to independent startups, non-profits, rock bands and softball teams. Let's change the world!
Work Experience
MSP Communications / Cities Media Group
Art Director
I contribute to the titles of Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, and Twin Cities Business Magazine.
I'm involved in planning, concepts, and execution on all aspects of the above titles. This involves hiring photographers, creatives, and illustrators, designing covers and features, and layout and design work.
I'm involved in planning, concepts, and execution on all aspects of the above titles. This involves hiring photographers, creatives, and illustrators, designing covers and features, and layout and design work.
July 2021
- Present
Minnesota, United States
MSPC
Art Director
I primarily worked on IBM Systems Magazine Power & Z Editions. Over the years I lead two complete magazine redesigns and helped develop an ipad app. I produced the magazines look from start to finish via layout, design and collaborated with hundreds of illustrators and photographers worldwide from Dallas to Des Moines to Dubai on a monthly basis.
November 2011
- November 2020
Minnesota, United States
Minnesota Premier Publications
Graphic Designer
I worked on Minnesota Parent, Downtown Journal, Southwest Journal and Minnesota Good Age. I did layout and design, folios, and advertising production.
2010
- 2011
Minnesota, United States
TimeOut Chicago
Associate Art Director
I was responsible for concept and design of features, covers, city guide books, special inserts and issues. I maintained brand identity, templates and graphic standards. I signed off on page layouts; attended photo shoots and model castings. I hired and directed illustrators; managed budgets, schedules, invoicing, hiring and managing interns.
January 2005
- August 2010
Illinois, United States
Punk Planet Magazine
Look & Feel Team
I created layouts and original art for stories revolving around art, politics, culture, and punk rock.
2005
- 2007
Illinois, United States
Flint Communications
Graphic Designer
I worked on various print collateral for local and national companies. I took projects from concept to print. This included: books, posters, brochures, billboards, mailers, and brand identities.
2003
- 2004
North Dakota, United States
Education
Minnesota State University Moorhead
BFA
Moorhead, Minnesota, United States
Skills
Art Direction,
Creative Direction,
Illustrator,
Indesign,
Magazines,
Photoshop,
Print Publications,