Many designers can handle the visual design side of things, but Michael acts as a content designer, thinking of every aspect of project. His research ability and attention to detail are second to none; his thoughtful methods often catch potential problems before they arise. This not only saves time and money but leads to a better end product for the user. Luckily, his personality is also great! Any team stands to be improved by adding him to the mix.
—Carlos Esparza, Senior Art Director, Callisto Media
I had the pleasure of working with and managing Michael Cook for three years at Cengage Learning in San Francisco. Michael is a talented designer and art director with an excellent ability to get at a client’s needs and deliver a solution that is pleases his teams, is conceptually solid, and is visually compelling. He does a great job of using his problem solving skills to overcome challenges that inevitably come up in the design process. From adjusting project scope to accommodate budgets and schedules, going the extra mile to please demanding stakeholders and product owners, and not taking criticism personally and letting go of ideas as needed for the success of the project, Michael handles these challenges with positivity and a level head. He is also very good at giving art direction to others to arrive at a great design solution. He is able to get high quality designs from vendors and freelancers using the same level of skill he brings to his own design work. Michael never shies away from trying different kinds of work and embraces new technologies and tools that help him solve the design problem.
—Andrei Pasternak, Design Director, Cengage Learning
Michael has been a joy to work with in every way. As a designer, he is client-oriented, creative, and responsive, with a keen, coherent aesthetic that he applies skillfully to every project, no matter its market. I would recommend Michael without hesitation for any creative/design position he might undertake.
—Sheryl Fullerton, Executive Editor, Jossey-Bass
I have been in publishing on and off for twenty five years now, and I think Michael is one of the most talented and professional book cover designers whose work I have ever seen. In addition, he is flexible, friendly, and a fine colleague. I believe that whether he goes on with books or moves into other design and creative services fields, the company that hires him will be glad they did.
—Debbie Notkin, Contract Manager, Jossey-Bass
I have worked with Michael for over eleven years. During that time I have gained a high level of respect for his design abilities, his attention to detail, and his ability to turn a production meeting into a beautiful book cover. As an IT Manager, I recognized early on that Michael is quick to adapt to new technologies, both hardware and software, and easily implements them. I am happy to call him a friend as well as a coworker.
—Matt Bernard, Manager, Enterprise Desktop Support
I have worked closely with Michael for eight years, during which time he has done countless brilliant book cover designs, series designs, and logos, and some web site designs, as well. It is hard to decide which is more impressive, Michael’s amazing creativity when faced with only the vaguest of input from our team, or his ability to produce large volumes of outstanding work, often under very tight deadlines. In any case, Michael is always a pleasure to work with, no matter how crazy the demand or how soon you need him to produce the inevitable dazzling result. The other thing to say about Michael is that he knows when to go all out and when to save his energy for the project that requires that extra effort; this is very important when a designer needs to do a lot of work very quickly. He also knows when to use the budget for a special effect, and when to create a powerful effect without breaking the bank. In short, Michael is a creative, cooperative, conscientious colleague, and anyone would be lucky to have the opportunity to work with him.
—David Brightman, Senior Editor, Jossey-Bass