Today, we’d like to introduce you to Chad Makerson Michael.
Hi Chad, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My love for art and creating began at a young age. On weekends, my mother and I would immerse ourselves in arts and crafts, making holiday wreaths with copious amounts of hot glue and tackling school assignments with a creative flair. These moments with her laid the foundation for my artistic journey, teaching me to pay attention to every detail and ensuring everything was aesthetically pleasing.
In high school, I spent countless hours in the art room, experimenting with various physical art forms such as sculpture, painting, and abstract works, which often had a dark and esoteric feel. When I entered college, I discovered graphic design by chance. After cycling through several majors, my college advisor suggested I submit my portfolio to the graphic design program. During this time, I found my passion for package design—a field where I could create tactile goods and build a stable career.
Upon graduating, I left with a robust portfolio focused on branding and package design. I moved to New York and landed my first design position at a small agency. Over the years, I worked at several NY agencies specializing in package design, progressing from junior designer to creative director.
In 2014, I became disillusioned with the large agency workflows, where too many voices often led to great designs being shelved. Frustrated with my work ending up in a “design graveyard,” I started my studio. My goal was to only take on projects I felt truly passionate about and to develop an “eye” for clients serious about bringing their brands to life. Since then, nearly all of the 100 brands and brand extensions I’ve created have reached the public eye.
Since 2014, I’ve been fortunate to create iconic brands for distilleries, breweries, and wineries. Some clients include Distillerie du St. Laurent, Stonestreet Bourbon, Slane Irish Whiskey, Gold Bar Whiskey, Warbringer Bourbon, Jack Daniels, and Devil’s Botany Distillery.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path to success is rarely smooth. It takes grit and years of hard work to gain traction. I worked tirelessly day and night for four years after opening my studio. Only in the past three to four years have I found a balance between work and life. Running a studio while holding myself to incredibly high standards and competing against some of the world’s largest design agencies means wearing multiple hats. I’m constantly learning and evolving.
We are a boutique design studio specializing in “from scratch” developments, handling everything from brand name generation and storytelling to strategy, custom glass, package design, and production management. When I started my studio, I didn’t know all aspects thoroughly; it was a “jump in and learn to swim” situation. To this day, I’m still learning, building, evolving, and now diversifying my talents beyond the design studio.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Chad Michael Studio?
Established in 2014, Chad Michael Studio is an international, full-service branding and package design studio dedicated to the world of alcoholic beverages and specialty goods. The studio was founded with the mindset of pursuing only projects where the passion and excitement for the brand matched or exceeded that of the client. I firmly believe the greatest results come from passion and persistence.
We are known for delivering brands rich in story, character, and design. We strive to break trends and go against what others are doing, which is why I avoid looking at competitors for reference or inspiration. It’s important to know your competition, but only so you can differentiate yourself. Being the first to do something new ensures people will take notice.
Choosing a single brand, I’m most proud of is difficult, as I’m truly proud of every design and launch. Our studio only takes on about 12 new clients annually, with the rest of our time dedicated to continued work for previous clients. Once a client completes their brand with us, they typically return year after year for new projects or extensions of the previous one. We also foster a family-style rapport with our clients, which I believe also separates us from larger agencies.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I’m a highly organized person and a dedicated list maker. Setting daily goals and checking them off ensures a high rate of success. Persistence and dedication are also crucial. I treat every brand as if it were my own, pushing through each project until I reach that gut feeling that “this is it” moment.
Additionally, I pride myself on being direct and clear in communication and effectively selling myself to new clients. Confidence in your ideas and how you articulate them to clients is a make-or-break factor for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chadmichaelstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadmichaelstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chadmichaelstudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadmakersonmichael/
