Michael Shirey is an award-winning designer, strategist, brand consultant, artist, and educator based in New York City. He has over 10 years experience in design and strategy across many sectors, including branding and ad agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, start-ups, news publications, and socially-driven businesses across the country.
He currently works as a brand manager at Vytalize Health, and is also a freelance designer and strategist at the Gordon Co. He previously worked as a visual designer and strategist for Design Matters Media. Before that, he was head designer for Get Out IO.
Michael and his work have been featured in Graphic Design USA, Print Magazine, Forbes, the AMCP’s MarCom Awards, New York Press Association, and Communication.
He holds an undergraduate degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a Masters degree in Branding from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he graduated valedictorian. He has been a teacher’s assistant and thesis advisor for the program for five years.
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2025, ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC ABOUT YOUR DESIGN PRACTICE/BUSINESS? MORE GENERALLY, ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC THAT GRAPHIC DESIGN WILL CONTINUE TO BE RECOGNIZED AS BRINGING VALUE TO THE TABLE IN COMMERCE AND CULTURE?
We have to be optimistic. In the age of AI, misinformation, and climate change, the role of the graphic designer will be as vital as it has ever been. Great design often comes out of times of immense change, and it is crucial that our profession evolve to forge the next era of design.
DO YOU THINK GRAPHIC DESIGNERS HAVE A SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO USE THEIR TALENTS TO MAKE A SOCIAL IMPACT? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Simply put, yes. Branding and design have long had an influence on markets and culture – we’ve all seen examples of exceptional design do everything from drive sales to help elect world leaders. Our actions have consequences, and it is our responsibility to ask if our talents are better served designing the hundredth new brand of bottled water or crafting new sustainable, ethical work. Over the course of my career, the work I am the most proud of is the work that has had a positive impact on people.
HOW DO YOU SEE AI AND OTHER EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IMPACTING THE FUTURE OF GRAPHIC DESIGN?
AI has already had an immense impact on our industry. When we look back in five or ten years, the extent of AI’s influence on graphic design will ultimately depend on how we used it. Keeping that in mind, we must adopt ethical use of AI, using it as an extension of our creativity – not a replacement. Additionally, it is imperative that we are mindful of AI’s impact on the environment. Early studies show that AI uses an incredible amount of energy at a yet to be determined planetary cost. Is that generated image or piece of ad copy worth the cost?
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING A CAREER IN GRAPHIC DESIGN?
It isn’t enough to be a good designer – you need to be a smart and agile one. Embrace strategy. Be a perpetual student. It will make your work stronger and help you move forward in your career. - This article was originally published in February 2025 on Graphic Design USA, both in print and online.