I am an art director, designer, and puppeteer whose work bridges visual design, storytelling, and performance. With over two decades of experience in both brand communication and theatre, I create experiences that blend digital precision with handmade imagination. From leading healthcare and nonprofit campaigns for global clients to directing award-winning puppet theatre, I bring curiosity, empathy, and craft to every story — whether told through pixels, paper, or puppets.…

Mike Kelly

I am an art director, designer, and puppeteer whose work bridges visual design, storytelling, and performance. With over two decades of experience in both brand communication and theatre, I create experiences that blend digital precision with handmade imagination. From leading healthcare and nonprofit campaigns for global clients to directing award-winning puppet theatre, I bring curiosity, empathy, and craft to every story — whether told through pixels, paper, or puppets.…

Available to hire

I am an art director, designer, and puppeteer whose work bridges visual design, storytelling, and performance. With over two decades of experience in both brand communication and theatre, I create experiences that blend digital precision with handmade imagination.

From leading healthcare and nonprofit campaigns for global clients to directing award-winning puppet theatre, I bring curiosity, empathy, and craft to every story — whether told through pixels, paper, or puppets.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Art Director / Graphic Designer at Freelance
January 1, 2012 - Present
Led art direction and design for nonprofit fundraising, healthcare, tech, and consumer brands. Delivered cross-platform campaigns and branding systems. Utilized AI-powered image generation tools to accelerate concept development, moodboarding, and visual exploration for branding projects. Clients included Windham County Democrats, Polaroid, Misceo, Dartmouth University, Biogen, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk.
Art Supervisor at Cline Davis & Mann, NYC
January 1, 2012 - July 13, 2025
Directed brand development and campaign rollouts for global pharma clients. Oversaw shoots, mentored designers, and ensured regulatory alignment. Clients included Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Bayer, and AstraZeneca.
Art Director at Creative Network Systems, NYC
January 1, 2005 - July 13, 2025
Designed advertising and packaging for lifestyle and entertainment brands. Drove creative from concept to production. Clients included Viacom, Reebok, Jose Cuervo, Talenti, and American Express.
Graphic Designer at MKA Ltd, NYC
January 1, 2000 - July 13, 2025
Created marketing and print materials for major media and publishing clients. Managed print production and vendor coordination. Clients included Showtime, ABC, Disney Press, Penguin Books, and Hyperion.
Art Director at Puppetry International Magazine (UNIMA-USA)
January 1, 2023 - November 3, 2025
Lead visual direction and design for the official publication of UNIMA-USA, the U.S. branch of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette. Oversee branding, layout, and art direction for print and digital editions, uniting contemporary design strategy with the expressive traditions of puppetry.
Freelance Art Director / Graphic Designer at Freelance – UK / US
January 1, 2012 - November 3, 2025
Lead design and brand development for nonprofit, education, and healthcare clients including Dartmouth University, New England University, the Handel & Haydn Society, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Biogen, and Novartis. Integrate AI tools into concept development and visual exploration to accelerate ideation and moodboarding.
Art Supervisor at Cline Davis & Mann, NYC
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2012
Directed visual strategy and campaign rollout for global pharma brands like Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Biogen, and Novartis and Novo-Nordisk. Managed design teams, shoots, and regulatory approvals to ensure creative and scientific accuracy.
Art Director at Creative Network Systems, NYC
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2005
Designed advertising and packaging for entertainment and lifestyle brands such as Viacom, Reebok, Jose Cuervo, and American Express. Oversaw projects from concept to final production.
Founder / Director at Inkfish Theatre
January 1, 2004 - November 3, 2025
Conceived, designed, and directed original puppet theatre productions supported by the Jim Henson Foundation, LaMaMa ETC, Arts at St. Ann’s, Queens Council for the Arts, and Nordland Visual Theatre (Norway) among others. Collaborated internationally on performances combining sculpture, movement, and visual design. Selected Works: The Digger: A Subterranean Allegory; Three Good Wives; The Brain: An Experiment in Puppet Theatre; Nikolai Gogol’s The Nose; Jack Dougherty and the Soul Cages.

Education

SFX Design Diploma at School of Visual Arts
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1998
Liberal Arts Degree at University of South Carolina
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1998
Liberal Arts at University of South Carolina
January 11, 2030 - November 3, 2025
SFX Design at School of Visual Arts, NYC
January 11, 2030 - November 3, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Life Sciences, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Education