Design, strategy, motion, code… and somehow, it all makes sense.
Hi, I’m Michael Close. Over the years, I’ve built a broad set of skills – from brand strategy and visual design to UX, front-end build, motion, and marketing.
Not just a mix – a toolkit I actually use. I can shape a brand from scratch, design a product interface, build a campaign, or roll up my sleeves and write code.
I see the big picture, pay close attention to the details, and care about making things that work beautifully – for users, for teams, and for the business. I also love sharing what I’ve learned, helping people grow, and creating space for good ideas (and good people) to thrive.
No labels. Just good work.
My story
From side project to full-time obsession
Student promoter turned brand-obsessed, design-do-it-all, customer-experience nerd. Here’s the scenic route I took.
How it began
From dancefloors to dashboards
I started running music events while studying design at uni. Things went well, and because I didn’t want to pay ticketing fees (and let’s face it, I was broke), I taught myself to build my own platform – and accidentally uncovered a passion not just for design, but for building brands that connect.
Late Nights to Early Mornings
The pivot that changed everything
Eventually, I traded in guest lists for task lists – using the skills I’d learnt to land a role that allowed me to go to bed at normal times. Kind of. I still go to bed later than I should, mostly because I love what I do and I get weirdly addicted to making things better. The caffeine helps.
craft meets context / practice to precision
Different roles. Same obsession.
Next came the real sharpening – years spent working in-house across tech, ecommerce, and education, learning what makes businesses tick.
Alongside that, I ran my own creative studio, delivering brand, digital, and campaign work for clients across industries. Every project taught me something new. Every challenge sharpened the skills I use today.
Always building something
Restless, in a good way
I’ve never been good at sitting still. If I’m not creating something for work, I’m probably designing something for my home, learning something new, or landscaping an entire garden by hand (yes, really – should’ve hired the digger). Life’s full-on, but that’s how I like it.
xxx
Strategy. Identity. And a serious respect for the customer’s point of view.
These days, what I love most is shaping brands from the inside out. I get excited about identity, strategy, and creating seamless experiences that actually make sense to the people they’re for.
I think like a customer, not just a designer — and I make every decision with that mindset first. It’s not about pushing pixels. It’s about building things that work and feel right.
What I Love Now
Still curious. Still caffeinated. Still at it.
Long story short? I’ve followed the work that excites me, picked up a lot of hats along the way, and somehow still want more.
If there’s a brand to build, a product to shape, or a wild idea that needs bringing to life — I’m in!