Michael Boyles graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Florida State University last century and has accumulated more than 35 years of eclectic experiences since those heady college undergraduate days in the Age of Aquarius. After deciding not to become a circus performer he worked in a variety of environments including advertising agencies, graphic design studios, and corporate marketing, creating advertising campaigns, direct mail and collateral materials for software companies, agricultural and industrial clients, real estate branding, credit card marketing and arts promotion.

On the seventh day he rested.

Michael’s design credentials span a multitude of disciplines that incorporate print, environmental design, signage, trade shows, product design, package design, illustration, photography, story telling, and web design. He does however have a fear of origami and paper cuts.

In 2004, he began working at the University of North Florida Fine Arts Center, promoting and presenting events for artists including Dianne Reeves, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lily Tomlin, Parsons Dance Company and Savion Glover. He enjoys the company of the rich and famous but so far has found neither riches nor fame for himself. Currently he toils at the Center for Instruction and Research Technology (CIRT).

He was actively involved in the Kennedy Center Partners in Education/Florida 2001 Team, bringing arts integration to educators and providing workshops led by national award-winning artists, consultants and outstanding regional artists.

Prior to his work with the University of North Florida, Michael managed his own design firm. His clients included business titans such as Johnson & Johnson, Alamo Rental Cars, Citibank Universal Card (since defunct), eSchool Solutions, Harte Hanks Direct Marketing, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Publix Supermarkets (the Albertson’s of Florida), Software companies, The City of Jacksonville and The Florida Entertainment Commission.

He is a founding member and past president of The American Institute of Graphic Arts/Jacksonville Chapter where he gained experience in judging professional and student competitions. Michael also served his community as a board member of a not-for-profit historic neighborhood preservation group. He served as their marketing/communications chair and beautification chair over the past 12 years.

Attendance at numerous professional meetings has allowed him to meet many design industry luminaries-none of whom remember him. When he tells his friends or family he had dinner with the person who launched the Sprout Network for kids, branded the Bahamas or designed the graphics for the Sundance Film Festival, they act suitably impressed.

He has taught graphic design and concept for more than 20 years at the college level, as well as advertising, illustration and color theory at Florida State University and Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Michael donates his talents to artists, musicians, dancers, homeless organizations, needy friends, lost causes, etc. Away from his professional life, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, wine, architecture, eating M&Ms, landscaping and being distracted by shiny objects and wonderful people. His passions also include creating art, playing piano and raising a cat who wants to be a ninja when she grows up.

When irritated, he has been known to lapse into a Southern drawl.