Michael Carian • Creative Direction • Branded Content
I'm a strategy-minded creative leader with a foundation in design and a proven ability to develop culture-forward, social-first campaigns that deliver on both brand and business goals. At Cashmere, I partnered closely with strategy and insights teams to drive storytelling for brands like Google Play and Jack in the Box, blending conceptual thinking with tactical execution. I thrive at mentoring talent, shaping brand narratives, and building creative that resonates deeply with audiences and moves the needle. I'm now seeking opportunities to channel my cultural strategy expertise into impactful creative leadership.
I'm a strategy-minded creative leader with a foundation in design and a proven ability to develop culture-forward, social-first campaigns that deliver on both brand and business goals. At Cashmere, I partnered closely with strategy and insights teams to drive storytelling for brands like Google Play and Jack in the Box, blending conceptual thinking with tactical execution. I thrive at mentoring talent, shaping brand narratives, and building creative that resonates deeply with audiences and moves the needle. I'm now seeking opportunities to channel my cultural strategy expertise into impactful creative leadership.
Education •
College for Creative Studies / Detroit, MI
Art Direction Major • 1995 - 1999
Art Direction Major • 1995 - 1999
Downloadable Resumé •
Work Experience •
Cashmere Agency / LA • Associate Creative Director • 2018 - PresentSpearheaded campaigns merging cultural insights with storytelling for clients like Google Play and Jack in the Box.Launched multi-platform campaigns (broadcast, social, experiential) while mentoring teams and collaborating with external partners.
Co-developed creative strategy in close collaboration with insights, social, and PR teams. Shaped full-funnel campaigns that aligned creative execution with broader marketing objectives.
Additional Clients: Hulu, HBO, Adidas, Ben & Jerry’s, Google, Amazon, YouTube,
and Ubisoft.
Cashmere Agency / LA • Associate Creative Director • 2018 - PresentSpearheaded campaigns merging cultural insights with storytelling for clients like Google Play and Jack in the Box.Launched multi-platform campaigns (broadcast, social, experiential) while mentoring teams and collaborating with external partners.
Co-developed creative strategy in close collaboration with insights, social, and PR teams. Shaped full-funnel campaigns that aligned creative execution with broader marketing objectives.
Additional Clients: Hulu, HBO, Adidas, Ben & Jerry’s, Google, Amazon, YouTube,
and Ubisoft.
Freelance / Los Angeles • Art Direction • 2014 - 2018
Delivered social-first creative solutions and advertising campaigns for entertainment and lifestyle clients.Worked across agencies to produce bold visual concepts, from ideation to execution, with a focus on social media and digital platforms.
Delivered social-first creative solutions and advertising campaigns for entertainment and lifestyle clients.Worked across agencies to produce bold visual concepts, from ideation to execution, with a focus on social media and digital platforms.
Green Dot Corporation / Los Angeles • Art Director • 2012 - 2013
Played a pivotal role in the launch of GoBank, Green Dot’s Mobile Banking App, developing the brand identity, standards, social media presence, and retail strategy.
College for Creative Studies / Detroit, MI • Adjunct Faculty • 2002 - 2009
Core curriculum instructor in the graphic design department.
Played a pivotal role in the launch of GoBank, Green Dot’s Mobile Banking App, developing the brand identity, standards, social media presence, and retail strategy.
College for Creative Studies / Detroit, MI • Adjunct Faculty • 2002 - 2009
Core curriculum instructor in the graphic design department.
Clear Magazine / Detroit, MI • Design Director • 2001 - 2004
Worked with editor, fashion editor & photographers to develop each magazine theme, as well as contribute to magazine content. Saw through each issue from layout to press checks and managed additional designers and copywriters.
Worked with editor, fashion editor & photographers to develop each magazine theme, as well as contribute to magazine content. Saw through each issue from layout to press checks and managed additional designers and copywriters.
DB&A / Detroit, MI • Art Director • 1994 - 2001
Founding employee. Created and managed 360 campaigns. Worked in production development, directing and editing broadcast commercials. 2 years directing & DP for a brand-focused reality TV show.
Founding employee. Created and managed 360 campaigns. Worked in production development, directing and editing broadcast commercials. 2 years directing & DP for a brand-focused reality TV show.