It’s nice to meet you! I’m Michaela.

What do great clothing, movies, and websites have in common?

Spectacular yet unnoticeable design. I have a great distaste for quick and easy experiences that are thrown together, but I am enamored with experiences that I don't notice the bumps along the way. Like a plot twist you did not see coming or a dress with hidden pockets you find after you put it on, a great website and application design is full of delightful surprises that keep you coming back to watch or wear again and again.

I uncovered this gem of wisdom after 7 years of modeling, 4 years of acting and 6 years of college education.

My challenge during these years was figuring out how to get the ideas in my head into the world because I was so great at helping other people do that, why couldn't I do it?

After much trial, error, and a global pandemic, I discovered I like to know who I am creating for and why I am creating for them. I like to have a sense of direction, or a problem to solve for a unique audience. This pairs wonderfully with my interest in research and analytics, which flows seamlessly with my M.A. in Advertising.

Mix that with my love of creating beautiful imagery through modeling and telling stories through acting, this runs parallel to the visual elements of color and typography on a user interface. Once I realized this connection, I quit my job and decided to pursue product design. I wanted to learn how to create experiences digitally and in the real world.

"People like [me] must create. If [I] don't create, [I] will become a menace to society" - Maria Semple from “Where’d Ya Go Bernadette?”