EXIST is the moniker of graphic designer, illustrator, & educator
Michael Glowacki.

*That's me.

A photographic image of Michael Glowacki.
Photograph by the talented www.gretchenellephoto.com

Through my freelance graphic design practice I am creating designs for small to mid sized businesses or a hired gun for design agencies.
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I partner with clients that align with my values—ethical, thoughtful, and positive. I specialize in identity design, logo design, package design, web design, and illustration. All approached with a sincere want for my passion for graphic design to help a client succeed.

Beyond client work, I am a Professor of Graphic Design, a husband, a dad, an artist, woodworker, nature seeker and a terrible musician but having fun with it.  

Background

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Career

For nearly 15 years I have been collaborating with amazing clients. I cut my teeth working for creative agencies in Chicago and Boston. As a full-time designer, I helped produce print and web content for clients Bank of America, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Kohler, Mozilla Firefox. As a Professor of Graphic Design, I do my best to pass on my love and knowledge for the arts. As a working graphic designer, I pinch my cheeks and thank the stars everyday I am honored with the opportunity to help clients pursue their passions through my own.

Education

MFA / Cranbrook Academy of Art 05-07

BFA / Kendall College of Art & Design 02-05

Selected Clients

A Pleasant Dog, Abe Maybe, AMATYC (The American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges), ASD Solutions, Bank of America, Boro Resale, Bison Machine, Chrysler, The DayNites, Dodge, DAAC (Division Avenue Arts Collective), E+L Salon, Evolve Build, Fiat, Fresh Coast Optical, Go To Property Management, Grand Rapids Community Arts, Grove Studios, Jeep, Karmaloop, Kohler, MIDAS, Mozilla Firefox, Re.dwell, Right Time Construction, Stovepipe Soaps, Tennessee Freedom Circle, Vanderbilt University

Capabilities

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Identity Design

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Logo Design

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Packaging

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Web Design

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Illustration

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Editorial Design

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Custom Type

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A decorative illustration of a bonfire but the wood are pencils.

Intention

I want to give you a collaborative, thoughtful, and enjoyable experience. When you work with me, you get one on one collaboration, a care for high quality craftsmanship, and someone that wants you to be 100% happy.
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Understanding leads to creativity. First I learn about you and your audience. Those findings help align  a clear vision and goal for your project. From the big idea, to initial creative concepts, and fine-tuning of details, I am here to help you light up minds.   

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1. Listen

Identify the entire scope of the project to create an appropriate creative brief and contract. We need to define all the deliverables you will need, how they will be used and when you need them by.

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2. Learn

Gather research, references, and resources. Research of the past and current market the design work will be implemented in will make the most effective design work.

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3. Sketching

This is where I generate an agreed upon amount of graphic design options for you and present them by an agreed upon time.

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4. Collaboaration

Now, we discuss pro's and con's of the graphic design options and solidify a direction to move forward with.

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5. Revisions

I'm going back to the grindstone for while. Once the deliverables are close to being complete its time for both of us to look through the work with a fine-tooth comb.

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6. Deliverables

All file types needed are shared with you at launch, but I store backups of everything.

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7. Launch

Crack open some champagne! You can count on me to make future updates as needed.  

Process

No two clients are the same. A creative brief defines the scope of the project, a timeline, and expectations for both parties.

High Fives

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Exist Design Studio was able to take my logo requirements for my new business and turn them around into a brilliant design that is better than I could have ever hoped for. If you want exceptional quality design work done, Michael is who you need to get ahold of!

Henry Westerhuis

Founder, Right Time Construction

We loved the beer can label Michael created for the Midland Brewing Company! He’s very receptive and easy to work with. The resulting artwork was exactly what we were looking for! We will definitely be contacting him again!

Theresa Wasinski

Midland Brewing Company

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