I am Michael Hawkins, a Creative Director and owner at PromoDoctors based in Irving, TX. My professional goal has always been to work with passionate, wonderful people to create amazing things for my clients and their end users. My focus has been primarily in the youth and family marketing arena, where I've developed kids' premiums, toys, and youth promotions that deeply engage the targeted audience by leveraging themes, tie-in properties, or technology. With over two decades of experience, I manage sales, marketing, creative direction, and sourcing in my company. I have collaborated with major brands such as Burger King, Universal Studios, Mattel, and Kellogg's, while also delivering web, print, and graphic design solutions for various clients. I specialize in creative management, property identification, character creation, cartoon illustration, and computer graphic design, backed by a strong memory for toy mechanisms.

Michael Hawkins

I am Michael Hawkins, a Creative Director and owner at PromoDoctors based in Irving, TX. My professional goal has always been to work with passionate, wonderful people to create amazing things for my clients and their end users. My focus has been primarily in the youth and family marketing arena, where I've developed kids' premiums, toys, and youth promotions that deeply engage the targeted audience by leveraging themes, tie-in properties, or technology. With over two decades of experience, I manage sales, marketing, creative direction, and sourcing in my company. I have collaborated with major brands such as Burger King, Universal Studios, Mattel, and Kellogg's, while also delivering web, print, and graphic design solutions for various clients. I specialize in creative management, property identification, character creation, cartoon illustration, and computer graphic design, backed by a strong memory for toy mechanisms.

Available to hire

I am Michael Hawkins, a Creative Director and owner at PromoDoctors based in Irving, TX. My professional goal has always been to work with passionate, wonderful people to create amazing things for my clients and their end users. My focus has been primarily in the youth and family marketing arena, where I’ve developed kids’ premiums, toys, and youth promotions that deeply engage the targeted audience by leveraging themes, tie-in properties, or technology.

With over two decades of experience, I manage sales, marketing, creative direction, and sourcing in my company. I have collaborated with major brands such as Burger King, Universal Studios, Mattel, and Kellogg’s, while also delivering web, print, and graphic design solutions for various clients. I specialize in creative management, property identification, character creation, cartoon illustration, and computer graphic design, backed by a strong memory for toy mechanisms.

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Work Experience

Creative Director/Owner at PromoDoctors
February 1, 2004 - Present
Leading a custom art and products company producing advertising creative, toy product design, and selling domestically sourced promotional products. Responsible for managing all company aspects including sales, marketing, creative, and sourcing. Regularly designing kids meal toys and giftware for prominent companies such as Burger King, Universal Studios Theme Park, Mattel, and Kellogg's. Provided design services directly to companies across youth promotions, web, and print graphic design.
Top Dog (President) at Red Rover Creations, Inc
February 1, 2004 - August 14, 2025
Partner in a custom art and products company selling promotional products domestically and internationally. Participated in sales, marketing, and management of creative functions and international sourcing. Served key clients including IHOP, Kellogg's, SnS International, First National Bank of Burleson, Strombecker Corporation, and Guardian Services.
Chief Creative Officer at TIC TOC - The Imagination Company
February 1, 2003 - August 14, 2025
Managed the creative department as both player and coach with staff and freelancers. Ensured department profitability. Delivered premium concept development, graphic design, illustration, corporate identity/logo design, character design, animation, web design, sculpting, prototyping, custom publishing, licensed property and consumer trend consultation, and client presentations. Worked with top clients and licensing holders including Pepsi, Frito Lay, Pizza Hut, Subway, Hershey's, Disney, Warner Bros., and Lucasfilm. Awarded POPAI awards for creative displays.
Creative Director at Promotional Partners Worldwide (PPW)
March 1, 1998 - August 14, 2025
Built and managed the U.S. creative department as player/coach, managing artists and freelancers. Delivered premium concepts, graphic design, illustration, licensed property expertise, and client presentations. Served clients including Taco Bell, KFC, Jack in the Box, Hershey’s, Johnson & Johnson, and others. Led company’s first creative wins with Tricon Restaurants (YUM! Brands).
Designer at Simon Marketing
April 30, 1996 - August 14, 2025
Designed McDonald’s Happy Meal toy concepts and illustrations. First designer fluent in Macintosh programs creating digital presentations and product artwork. Introduced Photoshop model painting techniques to the Product Development Group.
Editorial Artist at The Daily Herald Newspaper
September 1, 1995 - August 14, 2025
Responsible for feature page design, editorial illustration, news graphics creation, and front page design for major zone editions during a technical transition. Managed color pagination on news and sports fronts. Circulation of 125,000.
Creative Services Director at The News-Sun
September 1, 1992 - August 14, 2025
Managed a four-artist full-service art department fulfilling editorial, circulation, and advertising requests. Worked with editors and managers to meet tight deadlines. Supervised graphic creation, computer training, purchasing, AP Graphicsnet maintenance, ad preparation, and performed artist duties. Promoted from manager. Recognized with Employee of the Month and various awards.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Art History at University of Illinois - Champaign, IL
January 1, 1983 - March 1, 1987

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Non-Profit Organization, Education, Professional Services