Mike
Waz
Hi, I’m a creative director, design educator, agency leader, dorky dad, and ok-ish golfer.
I specialize in branding, design, and web solutions for scaling start-ups and established companies.
I create smart, visually appealing, purpose-driven things. Let's chat.
Start-up to Enterprise
I’ve been very fortunate to be entrusted with the brand identity creation for many start-ups and organizations ready to scale. Over the past 20 years of my career I’ve seen many pitches, investor decks, and courageous entrepreneurs ready to bet the farm on their vision. My role is to understand that vision, surface their core truths to the right audience, and create compelling visual and verbal systems to tell their story. All in a way that drives results.
Past Clients
About Mike
As a brand-focused creative director and design educator, I collaborate with clients to create impactful and engaging brand experiences that drive growth and loyalty. In doing this, I leverage my 12+ years of experience as a CoFounder and Chief Creative Officer of Frank Collective, a brand-led creative agency that I launched with Jiffy Iuen in 2011. Prior to 2011 I held positions with the wonderful folks at Radical Media, The Daily, and Pentagram.
Creative Leadership:
Frank Collective
At Frank, I led a talented team of creatives across all aspects of brand creation and communication, from strategy and identity to web design and content. Some of the brands we developed, launched, and evolved are Blue Apron, Lola, Bombas, Lemon Perfect, Ladder, Made-In Cookware, and Barefoot Wine.
MORE ABOUT FRANK HERE
Frank Collective, Brooklyn
Frank Collective, LA
Design Educator
I am passionate about design education and innovation, and I share my insights and expertise as a part-time faculty professor at Parsons, where I teach brand concepts and run workshops for the next generation of creatives. I also participate in panels, conferences, and festivals, where I discuss brand thinking and design trends. My mission is to bring an understanding of design to a broader audience and to create brands that resonate with people and make a positive difference in the world.
Honors + Awards
My work has been recognized with an Emmy nomination, multiple industry awards, and featured in the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum.