Erik Hartley
I am a problem solver; a recognizer of patterns and obstacles, and a deep-thinker incessantly questing for a better way. I am a design manager, a professor, a mentor, a team member that strives to define a clear path to the best result.
Even from a young age, I have always been captivated by art and design. I began working as a Graphics Clerk for WKBD, UPN50, assisting with the over-the-shoulder graphics on the 10 o’clock news. It only took a few minutes to know I was hooked. Fast-forward 20 years, and I couldn’t be happier continuing to contribute to the ever-changing design community.
I’ve been fortunate enough to create branding, print, and digital solutions for a multitude of iconic brands. This includes work for Adobe, Cessna, Columbia Records, DaimlerChrysler, DHL, Dreamworks Trolls, Equestria Girls, General Motors, Ghostbusters, Hasbro, IBM, Lucasfilm, lynda.com, Marvel, Mercedes, Motorola, Mr. Potato Head, My Little Pony, Overwatch, RIM, Seymour Duncan, Toyota, Toy Story, and Transformers.
I don’t often enter competitions. However, my work has been selected and published by the likes of Steven Heller, an Art Directors Club Hall of Fame inductee and AIGA Medal recipient, Mirko Ilić, a master illustrator and author with collections within the Smithsonian Museum and MoMA, as well as several design works selected to appear within LogoLounge publications. I’ve also received the IABC of Detroit’s Renaissance Award of Excellence in Non Publication Art and Design.
