Michelle Fujimoto

Michelle’s passion begins with a deep appreciation for the value of great design, motivated by rising above mediocrity. More than an expectation of high aesthetics, her pragmatic approach has led to a strong belief in adding functionality to ideas through solving communication problems. Michelle has had proven success as an owner of a small boutique design firm who provided continuity to local and national companies through brand development and implementation, in addition to contributing creative direction through a broad range of marketing efforts.

Michelle earned her undergraduate academic degree in applied arts at the Art Institute of Seattle where she actively worked in her field during her education and early entry into design. Shortly after working at a small design firm and advertising agency, she began her own business venture in design.

Michelle is native to the greater Seattle area along with her husband and three children. Competing in team sports has been her passion since childhood, and when she’s not on the volleyball court coaching or playing, she can be found watching a recording of her favorite singing competition.  She has a strong sense of community and does not hesitate to volunteer her services pro-bono.

For over 30 years, Michelle has been an active practitioner of graphic design with extensive experience in leading a team of like-minded talent from concept to production. She spent many of those years as a senior account executive, leading brand development, directing design, and managing communication initiatives. Her skills cross a wide range of industries including high-tech, food & beverage, automobile, and publishing.

Michelle recently developed a high-end jewelry brand named Kwan Collections for ecommerce and home shopping networks. She was instrumental in researching and hiring a web site development firm to implement their online storefront and was hands-on in the creation of imagery and brand direction including directing and retouching product photography.

Most recently, Michelle designed the corporate identity and implemented brand standards for Auction Edge, Inc. Her brand standards helped to position Auction Edge as the industry’s leading technology platform for independent auto auctions and establish confidence within this highly competitive niche industry. As the Marketing Communications Manager, Michelle wore many hats, applying her experience to UX/UI design and production for a proprietary software product, GUI design for a mobile app, web site design and content management, online and print advertising, and PR.