Traverse City, Michigan, Grand Traverse
I'm a freelance Graphic Designer & Art Director who has worked in Los Angeles, Houston and Nashville; with clients throughout North America.
I have a diverse portfolio and my design services include: Corporate Identity, Branding, Logos, Brochures, Book & CD Covers, Posters, Outdoor (billboards), Web Designs, Display Design, Invitation and Event Design.
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16 customer reviews
Tom Aylesbury
I worked with Michael when he lived in Los Angeles. He created a series of online advertising banners and print ads that were exciting and very clever. He is very talented and has a good eye for graphic design. More...
Anna DeLong
Michael is an excellent collaborator and an absolute pleasure to work with. He is great at asking probing questions - examining the "why" behind the "what" to get to the heart of the design intent. I HIGHLY recommend him and can't wait to partner with him again in the future! More...
Bethany Legg
Michael is such a pleasure to work with! He is an effective communicator and a very talented designer. He genuinely cares about his clients and executing their vision. Would absolutely recommend Michael! More...
Kay Hawkes
Michael is extremely talented and easy to work with. He has a great eye for design and I would hire him again in a second! He blends professionalism with fun--great combo! More...
Graeme Asch
Working with Michael on our design for our wedding brochures as well as a full remodel of our restaurant was a great experience. He brought a fresh new look to our business increasing traffic to bring in more revenue. His eye for detail and quality in merchandising also generated new sales. I highly recommend using him and his skills for your business. Graeme Asch More...
Sally Lunetta
Transit Design is a great firm to work with. Michael is very hands-on throughout the entire project. He re-designed our website and worked on several marketing campaigns for us. Give them a try. You won't regret it! More...
Kelly Borgen
Working with Michael is a breeze and so fun. He's very creative and produces top of the line work. He's collaborative, sees the big picture and is an expert at taking your vision and making it a fabulous visual experience.
Suzánne Scott
I love the fact that Michael is able to understand and produce the concept that I desire, regardless of my ability to communicate. He has consistently given us our vision and made it bigger and better than we would have hoped. More...
Sara Moseley
Michael is a remarkably talented designer and a joy to work with, whether he is leading a project or participating as part of a team. His ability to create designs that engage viewers and tell a story visually are exceptional, as is his ability to mix fonts and colors in fresh ways. More...
Claudia Roxburgh
We have worked with Michael and Transit Design for more than a decade. He is wonderful to collaborate with and extremely talented. He has designed many campaigns for us, covering a myriad of elements from outdoor to website. Very strong conceptual skills and clean, contemporary work. You'll enjoy every opportunity with Michael. More...
psgreen
I have successfully designed and rehabbed many residential spaces. My last project was a rehab of a beach house that I gutted and remodeled in just over three months. While I pride myself in choosing every material and furnishing, I didn't have the luxury of time to ponder each choice this time. That's where Michael stepped in. Because I trust his opinions and sense of style implicitly, he became my yes man, helping me make quick decisions with confidence. We had a great time bouncing ideas off one another, shopping, and often laughing our way through. At the end of the project when the house was finished and furnished and I had to leave town, I left Michael in charge of the final details, something he is brilliant at. He worked his magic with finishing touches that turned the house into a cozy home. Michael was a pleasure to work with and I wouldn't hesitate to give him carte blanche on my entire project! More...
Reviewed on Houzz
rbscotth
If I could give Michael 10 stars, I would. Having worked with a few other decorators and designers in the past, there are few that seem to understand the word "budget.
" Michael was able to provide all work under budget and provide a cohesive, great look that exceeded our expectations. Drawing from his years of experience in graphic design, he was able to arrange the paintings, shop for and select the furniture, design the mantle, work on a schedule and pick the right piece for every spot from the rug to the lamps.
We consider Michael a true professional and friend and will not change anything in the house without his input or advice.
We love the look and feel of his work and would recommend him without reservation to anyone interested in a new look or a total transformation.
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Reviewed on Houzz
yucan2
Michael Watt of Transit Design did an amazing job with our home. My husband and I prefer contemporary furnishings but we live in a traditional farmhouse. Somehow Michael managed to blend our preferences with our reality to create a beautiful, restful space. He not only recommended found the furnishings within our budget, he also helped arrange artwork and the accessories to give a look that is complete without being fussy. He also came back during the holidays to help with making our holiday home festive with just the right amount of changes and decorations. I would recommend him for any decorating job from small to a complete overhaul. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
lbt69
My experience with Transit Design was wonderful. Everything was done perfectly. They were very attentive to our needs and surpassed our expectations. I highly recommend them and will hire them again! More...
Reviewed on Houzz
christieanna
Some of my colleagues who have travelled extensively, told me about Transit Design's Bus Scrolls which detail several of the trips similar to ones they have taken. Upon reviewing the website and portfolio, I purchased a canvas art piece designed by Transit Design and was no less pleased when I saw it in person - just as fabulous as the bus scrolls. Transit Design's owner Michael, was conscientious about understanding my needs and desires and ensuring that the product I was receiving was going to hit the mark. I highly recommend browsing his portfolio and shop if not to buy, to be inspired by his work - it's incredibly fresh and personal, which isn't easy to do these days. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
Sara Moseley
Michael Jon Watt brings impeccable taste, polished style and a wry sense of humor to all of his design work. His keen eye for color and texture, and gift for creating pieces that invoke both thought and pleasure are unmatched. He is also a master at blending old and new and reprurposing everyday objects into chic must-haves. Whether desgning works of art or meticulously crafting interior spaces (that appear deceptively effortless), his signature style sets him apart from all others. MJW is a true original. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
Describe your creative process.
After an initial discussion with my client and asking curious questions about the project, I start to mentally ruminate on the task at hand. I'm a bit of a thinker, and my mind immediately begins working on ideas and concepts. I keep a client notebook and will jot down words, sketches, and thoughts that may point to solutions. I research potential competitors, I consider design trends, I explore fonts and color stories. If I'm creating a logo, for example, the client and I agree on the number of concepts that will be presented, and how many rounds of revisions are included in the fee. Most of my work is done remotely, so design and project layouts are presented via PDF by email. Phone or email conversations are part of the process as needed.
What information do you need from a client before you can start work?
After an initial discussion about the project and a Creative Briefing with the client, I will need practical information: Who is my contact person in charge of the project? What is your deadline? What is the agreed upon fee? When and where does it need to be delivered? etc.
I also have a written project agreement outlining the parameters of the project which both parties need to sign. (This can be done digitally.)
I typically ask for 1/2 of the creative fee up front with final payment upon delivery.
What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy the diversity of working with people from different sectors, each with their own story and background. I love that each project holds something new and fresh. I love the creative process and collaborating with clients to find solutions to their communication and design needs.
What inspired you to start your own business?
When I started my business, I was living in Los Angeles and commuting an hour and a half each way in traffic. It was insane. Working from home gave me more flexibility and provided a true work/life balance. I enjoy being in charge of my time. As a motivated self starter, I take pride in being responsible for my schedule and having the opportunity to work with folks from many different places.
Why should our clients choose you?
I know that finding the right person for a job can be daunting. It's sort of like dating. You usually know pretty quickly whether it's a good match.
And if there is synergy and chemistry, happy hour might easily turn into dinner!
First, you should be attracted to the work in my portfolio. Each designer offers their own style and creative perspective. The fact that I have been working as a freelance designer for nearly 20 years will tell you that I'm organized, motivated and a good communicator. And I deliver.
When you hire me, you can expect a friendly, funny guy who is curious about people, clear about expectations, and will collaborate with you to find a creative solution that you need.
Logo Design
Logo & Branding design for your product, service or business.
Brochure & Marketing Design
Brochures, Sell Sheets, Direct Mail, Posters.
Social & Digital Media Design
Web Banners, Social Media Ads - designed for you.
CD Packaging & Book Covers
Design for music CDs, Book Covers, Textbooks.
Posters, Billboards, Display Design
Creative ideas for Posters, Outdoor Billboards, Airport Displays, Event Booths & Kiosks.