Creating beautiful visual materials to engage and communicate with a range of audiences.

Michele Neary
Michele Neary
503-702-4079

Michele Neary

graphic + web design + creative communications

Michele Neary is a versatile communications professional accomplished in print and digital publishing. Her skill set combines a background in marketing, community outreach and journalism, a keen eye for design, and expertise in digital design software.

Michele co-founded Mad Bird Design to create visual materials that communicate beautifully with a range of audiences. Mad Bird Design specializes in web, graphic and animation – designing high quality, effective and innovative materials for marketing, education and entertainment.

For over 15 years, Michele has designed and developed professional websites for business, government and nonprofit clients, working on an evolving range of technology platforms. She helps clients make a great first impression with a visually appealing website that communicates clearly and is easy to use. Whether the project calls for creating a brand-new presence online, or updating an existing website with a fresh look, she provides exceptional support throughout the process.

Experienced in translating ideas and information into creative visual concepts, Michele’s portfolio includes an array of graphic designs, illustrations, and layouts for print and digital publishing – from business cards to billboards, and every size in between. She is skilled in brand, identity and logo design, defining style guidelines and strengthening established brands.

Well-versed in supporting public communications, outreach and education campaigns, Michele has contributed to several award-winning projects – Hillsboro Environmental Sustainability Plan, Beaverton Community Vision, Hillsboro 2035 Community Plan, Hillsboro 2020 Vision, and Grays Harbor 2020 Vision and Action Plan.

Skills

  • Graphic design + illustration
  • Page layout + document design
  • Writing + editing
  • Website design + development
  • Photo editing + coordination
  • Social media platforms + tools
  • Public outreach + communication

TECHNOLOGY

  • Adobe Creative Software: InDesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Acrobat
  • Responsive web design and front end web development (HTML, CSS, Javascript)
  • WordPress and Squarespace Content Management Systems
  • Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook
  • PC and Mac operating systems
  • Online communication tools: SurveyMonkey, MailChimp, Constant Contact, blogging and social media platforms

EDUCATION & TRAINING

  • Bachelor of Arts, Journalism/Media Communications, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA
  • Advanced training in Adobe Creative and Microsoft Office software

Portfolio

Click to view project details.

Creative Services

Graphic & Publication Design

Beaverton Annual Report

I have produced a wide range of high quality graphic designs, illustrations, and layouts for print and digital publishing:

  • Advertising, displays, signs, banners, posters and postcards
  • Brochures and pamphlets for a variety of paper sizes and orientations
  • Fact sheets, one-page guides, meeting agendas and flyers
  • Logos, brand and campaign identity
  • Business cards, stationery and letterhead
  • Graphic illustrations, maps and infographics
  • Custom products: calendars, pocket folders, die-cut designs, promotional items, sunglasses, mugs, water bottles, bookmarks, tote bags, activity and coloring books, t-shirts and buttons
  • Publications: multi-page plans and reports, catalogs, booklets and newsletters
  • Slide decks and PowerPoint presentations

Web Design & Development

Iron Rabbit Restaurant & Bar

I have designed and developed dozens of websites, working on an evolving range of platforms, from HTML/CSS to WordPress and SquareSpace content management systems. My work on business, government and nonprofit websites has earned positive feedback from clients, users and customers – and I love to make clients look good!

My focus is helping clients make a great first impression with a professional, responsive, visually appealing website design. Whether the project calls for creating a brand new presence online or updating an existing website with a fresh look, the end result will look sharp and communicate clearly. From planning and design through the launch and content management, I’ll provide exceptional support throughout the process.

I’ve also successfully implemented online communication tools – blogs, social media and email campaigns, newsletters and surveys – to connect with target audiences, boost visibility, build online communities, provide up-to-date information, tap into social networks, and gather feedback.

Client References

Michele has helped us successfully brand our new sustainability program and to provide high quality, effective tools to educate employees and constituents. Professionally Michele is a pleasure to work with, delivering high quality draft and final products ahead of schedule and under budget. Beyond that, Michele is an absolute gem of a person, and brings lightness and a smile to every interaction. I strongly recommend Michele for any creative/design work, and can guarantee that in a very short time you will look at her work product and say “It’s a Neary!”

“I greatly appreciate the work of Michele at Mad Bird Design. Her attentive responses and quality of work is exemplary. Michele was able to capture not just our basic needs in a website but go deeper and project our philosophy, company culture and brand commitments. She exceeded my expectations and has helped further my company’s ability to engage our guests in whatever platform they use.”

Christian Skillings, Iron Rabbit Restaurant & Bar