Hey there! 👋 I'm Michele, a seasoned graphic designer with a passion for creating vibrant, impactful designs. My approach blends systematic thinking with creative intuition, resulting in designs that are both purposeful and engaging. With over 13 years of experience in the design industry, I've had the pleasure of working in all sorts of creative environments - from a small but mighty boutique design firm to a bustling advertising agency, cutting-edge tech companies, and even my own kitchen table as a freelancer. My work combines bold colors and playful energy to create visually striking and memorable experiences that are both thoughtful and impactful. I believe in making things that are smart, meaningful, and just plain awesome.

Entrepreneurial Journey

As the founder of paper&stuff, launched in 2020, I've transformed a serendipitous moment into a thriving business. What started as an accidental application to a major trade show (I thought it was a small craft fair - oops!) has blossomed into a successful brand in the greeting card industry. This entrepreneurial journey has been a crash course in innovation, adaptability, and the art of making things happen. It's demonstrated my ability to turn creative vision into tangible success, showcasing not just my eye for design, but also my business acumen and capacity for quick learning. Building both a recognizable brand and a flourishing business in such a short time underscores my drive to succeed and my readiness to tackle new challenges head-on. This roller coaster ride has taught me more about resilience and creativity than any textbook ever could, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Career Progression

My time at Betterment was marked by meaningful career advancement, progressing from Brand Designer to Senior Brand Design Manager in just four years. This swift trajectory not only showcases my leadership skills but also my ability to consistently deliver impactful marketing experiences. As I advanced, I became a caring and thoughtful manager, deeply invested in the growth and development of my team members. I prioritized nurturing their talents, providing mentorship, and creating opportunities for their professional advancement. This rapid progression is a testament to my work ethic, creative abilities, and knack for exceeding expectations in a fast-paced environment, all while fostering a supportive (and fun) team culture.

When I'm not designing, I channel my energy into organization and planning. This structured approach allows me to efficiently manage multiple projects and navigate creative challenges. I pride myself on being a collaborative team player who can work effectively under pressure without compromising on quality. My ability to work quickly when needed is particularly valuable during crunch times. My passion for design, coupled with my proven track record of delivering exceptional results under tight deadlines, makes me an asset to a creative team.

If you're looking for a designer who can bring fresh perspectives, drive projects to successful completion, and elevate your brand, I'd love to connect.

Let's create something extraordinary together!

P.S. I’m sorry there are no images here for you to peruse and judge my graphic design skills (yet!) Portfolios are hard, okay?! I’m working on it but you’ll just have to trust me for now.

Michele Byrne with long brown hair and glasses smiling, wearing a light gray sweater, against a bright yellow background.