Michael Metzger

About Michael Metzger

Let’s do this! Here are 5 quick things about me and my work. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve led creative across Bluestem Brands, Lakewinds Food Co-op, and many smaller businesses and non-profits, building brands and campaigns that drive real results. I specialize in strategic storytelling, brand identity, and creative direction—executing across digital, print, video, and social. My work has helped boost engagement by 140%, lift AOV by 72%, and increase program participation by over 125%. Whether I’m leading a team or getting hands-on with design, I bring vision, precision, and a passion for creating work that connects.2. When I’m not leading creative, I’m likely out chasing light with my camera. Landscape photography keeps me sharp—it’s where I fine-tune my eye for light, composition, and emotion. It also reminds me that great storytelling starts with seeing things differently.3. In the final months of college, I won state and national advertising design awards, and it changed everything. Those wins meant more to me than the degree itself—they proved I had the creativity, discipline, and guts to go beyond the classroom and into real-world impact. That moment ignited a belief that I could take on any creative challenge thrown my way.4. I’m looking for a creative leadership role that blends vision with execution—somewhere I can shape brand strategy, mentor teams, and still get hands-on when it counts. I’m especially passionate about brands that value storytelling, visual identity, and the occasional perfectly lit photo.5. I see design as a puzzle—one where strategy, creativity, and storytelling are the pieces that fit perfectly together. If you want someone who thrives in the gray area between vision and execution, and can turn complex challenges into something beautifully simple, I’m your person. Curious? Let’s talk.

Experience

1. Senior Art Director

   Asset Marketing Services, Llc

   Jul 2025 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

Education

• Hennepin Technical College

  Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design, Graphic Design

  2003 — 2006

Skills

• Graphic Design
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Advertising
• Retail
• Microsoft Office
• Social Media Marketing
• Microsoft Word
• Social Media
• Customer Service
• Art Direction
• Production Art
• Merchandising
• Microsoft Excel
• Powerpoint
• Visual Merchandising
• Layout
• Typography
• Catalogue Production
• Logo Design
• Quarkxpress
• Web Design
• Email Marketing
• Marketing
• Photography
• Indesign
• Creative Direction
• Illustrator
• Graphics
• Editing
• Brand Development
• Art
• Page Layout
• Adobe Illustrator
• Video Direction
• Photo Direction