MICHAEL THOMAS
Savannah, GA
970-***-**** • ***************@*****.***
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelwthomas2025
Portfolio: michaelthomascreative.myportfolio.com
SUMMARY
Multi-disciplinary creative professional with experience spanning creative direction, art direction, marketing, content creation, and brand storytelling across sports, retail, entertainment, and digital platforms. Skilled in developing campaigns, social content, video, photography, and visual storytelling that connects with audiences and strengthens brand identity. Experienced leading projects from concept through execution across digital, social, broadcast, experiential, and print environments.
CORE SKILLS
Creative Direction
Content Creation and Storytelling
Social Media Content and Campaigns
Brand Development and Visual Identity
Photography and Video Production
Digital and Integrated Marketing
Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Campaign Concepting and Execution
Adobe Creative Suite
Creative Workflow and Project Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Independent Artist / Painter
Savannah, GA 2024 – Present
● Produce and market original paintings and commissioned portrait work.
● Create content for social media and digital platforms to promote artwork and audience engagement.
● Manage branding, photography, client communication, scheduling, and creative direction for an independent art business.
Marketing and Communications Manager
YMCA of the Rockies
Granby, CO 2022 – 2023
● Developed digital, social, and email marketing content supporting seasonal campaigns and community engagement.
● Managed website updates, social media content, photography, and promotional materials.
● Collaborated across departments to support marketing initiatives and maintain brand consistency.
Associate Creative Director
Walz Tetrick Advertising
Mission, KS 2018 – 2020
● Led creative campaigns for the Kansas City Royals focused on fan engagement, ticket sales, and game day experiences.
● Developed creative for Kansas City Chiefs partnerships, including Arrowhead Stadium campaigns, broadcast spots, social media, digital advertising, and environmental graphics.
● Wrote and directed commercials and collaborated across creative, media, and client teams to execute integrated campaigns.
● Contributed creative concepts, visual storytelling, and content development across multiple platforms.
Creative Director
Sprint (now T-Mobile)
Overland Park, KS 2016 – 2018
● Developed and directed creative campaigns supporting sports, entertainment, retail, and live event partnerships.
● Produced creative across digital, social, retail, experiential, and broadcast channels.
● Collaborated with marketing and sponsorship teams on branded campaigns, activations, and audience engagement initiatives.
● Led creative development while remaining hands-on in concepting, visual storytelling, and production.
Senior Art Director / Creative Manager
Hallmark Cards
Kansas City, MO 1996 – 2015
● Led visual development and creative execution for national retail campaigns and consumer-facing brand initiatives.
● Designed and directed creative across print, packaging, retail, and promotional environments.
● Collaborated with cross-functional teams on campaign development, product launches, and brand storytelling.
● Mentored creative teams while contributing directly to concept development and design execution.
EDUCATION
Kansas City Art Institute
Illustration, Graphic Design, Art History
Longview Community College
General Studies
TOOLS AND PLATFORMS
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects) Premiere Pro
Photography and Video Production
Social Media Platforms and Content Tools
Creative Workflow and Collaboration Platforms
Working knowledge of Figma
ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS
Strong Visual Storytelling and Brand Awareness
Hands-On Creative Development
Adaptable Across Creative and Marketing Roles
Collaborative and Solution-Oriented
Experience Working in Fast-Paced Creative Environments