Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Woody. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
MICHAEL, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I worked on was during my senior year of college. I participated in a visual communications class for two semesters that involved real work with actual clients. My graphic design group collaborated with history copywriters and web programmers on a project titled “Through the Eyes of Youth: Life and Death in the Będzin Ghetto.” This project tells the story of young people in the Jewish ghetto of Będzin, Poland, before, during, and after the Holocaust. We created the online version of a traveling exhibit, and my website was selected to launch phase one of the project.
At the launch party, we had the incredible opportunity to meet two Holocaust survivors who had lived through that time. The experience was profoundly impactful and served as a powerful reminder to never forget our history. This project has remained with me and has been immensely meaningful, marking the beginning of my art career. Through this program, I also formed lasting friendships with some of my closest friends to this day.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Michael Woody, and I am a Graphic Designer and Marketing Administrator. My creative work involves marketing, design, and collaboration across various marketing projects and channels. I got my start in graphic design during high school when I worked on the yearbook for my senior year. I loved collaborating, creating layouts and captions, and bringing everything together in the end. My teacher recognized that and encouraged me to pursue graphic design, which I was already doing without realizing it.
In college, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications. I began my career at fast-paced media agencies, spending a few years in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I worked with a wide range of clients across various industries. If you can name it, I’ve probably worked on it. I now reside in Phoenix, Arizona, where I work for the Gila River Indian Community. I truly enjoy my job because I know it makes a meaningful impact.
I believe graphic design is a valuable skill. Managing tight deadlines can be challenging, but my experiences have helped me stand out as a designer. I also believe that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously; it’s important to have humor and fun along the way. I appreciate anyone who can understand that.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal and mission in my creative journey is to create projects I can be proud of each time. If I’m not satisfied with my work, I restart the layout, reconsider the composition, and adjust the colors. I’ve learned that sometimes, simple changes can make a big difference.
In my past experiences as a young creative, I rushed to complete a project just to get them approved by clients who might not have a strong understanding of art composition. Then I would see my billboard along the highway for everyone to see, and that realization haunted me. After learning that lesson, I began to approach my projects with integrity and value.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A story that illustrates my resilience during my journey is the unexpected passing of my brother three years ago. It turned my world upside down. As I looked around, it felt like everyone else was simply living in the matrix of life. His death prompted me to reflect deeply on my own life. Since then, nothing has felt the same, but I discovered that this experience highlighted my resilience.
Even in my grief, I continued to work on various projects and realized that my talents are a permanent part of me, regardless of the challenges life may bring. I once feared that I would lose my abilities or have to relearn them, but I now know that my creative talents will always support me.
