Hi. I’m Michael.
But most people call me Dabbs.

I am a hands-on maker, creative director, designer, thinker and collaborator. I work with companies from large to small, from local to international, to create relevant and intentional brand communication. Over the span of 30 years I have worked across multiple industries, each project with its own diverse needs, always with a focus on building visual identity and brand stories that drive deeper connection and engagement with audiences, reinforcing the brands purpose. I champion simplicity and the creation of holistic systems that are designed for ease of use for creative partners, and clarity for consumers. 

I am always looking for the next big collaboration, working with smart people striving to make change happen. I am based in Burlington, VT but work with companies far and near. If you’d like to learn more about my work process or have a project you are interested in discussing, please get in touch.



Hi. I’m Michael Dabbs. 
But most people call me Dabbs.

I’m a creative director who likes being hands-on, a designer who sees the big picture and smallest details, a strategic thinker and an enthusiastic collaborator. I work with brands and organizations of all shapes and sizes and have deep experience building brand identities and crafting work that drives deeper connections between brands and their people. I champion simplicity whenever possible including the creation of systems designed with ease of use and clarity in mind. 

DOING THE WORK | GUIDING THE WORK

I’m as comfortable working on the nitty-gritty of a project as I am in overseeing one. The truth is that I still like being in the sandbox, working through a problem with my own hands. But I also get a lot of satisfaction from stepping back and guiding other creatives.

 

LEFT BRAIN | RIGHT BRAIN

What I used to get grief for when I was starting out is what’s made me a successful freelancer — I’m as buttoned up as an account manager, as strategically minded as a brand strategist, as much of a systems nerd as, well, any systems nerd, but not ego-driven-enough to think I know everything. I’m curious and love to ask questions, which I think makes for better work.

SOLO | COLLABORATION

I’m both a one-man design band as well as being practiced at working full-time long-term with big teams spread across multiple agencies and clients. Although I’ve been a freelancer since 2009, mostly working from home before it was cool/necessary, I always jump at the chance to collaborate and be a part of something bigger.

Hi. I’m Michael Dabbs. 
But most people call me Dabbs.

I’m a creative director who likes being hands-on, a designer who sees the big picture and smallest details, a strategic thinker and an enthusiastic collaborator. I work with brands and organizations of all shapes and sizes and have deep experience building brand identities and crafting work that drives deeper connections between brands and their people. I champion simplicity whenever possible including the creation of systems designed with ease of use and clarity in mind. 

 

DOING THE WORK | GUIDING THE WORK

I’m as comfortable working on the nitty-gritty of a project as I am in overseeing one. The truth is that I still like being in the sandbox, working through a problem with my own hands. But I also get a lot of satisfaction from stepping back and guiding other creatives.

LEFT BRAIN | RIGHT BRAIN

What I used to get grief for when I was starting out is what’s made me a successful freelancer — I’m as buttoned up as an account manager, as strategically minded as a brand strategist, as much of a systems nerd as, well, any systems nerd, but not ego-driven-enough to think I know everything. I’m curious and love to ask questions, which I think makes for better work.

SOLO | COLLABORATION

I’m both a one-man design band as well as being practiced at working full-time long-term with big teams spread across multiple agencies and clients. Although I’ve been a freelancer since 2009, mostly working from home before it was cool/necessary, I always jump at the chance to collaborate and be a part of something bigger.

What I Do

  • Creative Direction

  • Visual Design

  • Digital Design

  • Ideation 

  • Concept Development

  • Brand strategy

  • Logo design

  • Brand Identity

  • Brand Standards 

  • Strategic Messaging

  • Environment Design

  • Package Design

  • Art Direction



 

The Company I Keep

Environmental

The Nature Conservancy

Seventh Generation

Neuton Cordless Mowers

Biomimicry 3.8

Sunward

Non Profit

Planned Parenthood of New England

Stand up to Cancer

Outdoor

Saucony

Burton Snowboards

Nike

Gore Tex

Scott Skis

Merrell

Timberland

Jetboil

Turtle Fur

Ibex

Muck

Xtratuf

Cutters

Shock Doctor

STX Lacrosse

Entertainment

Xbox

Electronic Arts

MTV

Warner Brothers

The History Channel

Dave Matthews Band

Higher Ground Music Hall

Food & Beverage

Whole Foods Market

General Mills

Pepsi

Boves of Vermont

Vermont Butcher Shop

Education

University of Vermont

Houghton Mifflin

Thompson Learning

Community College of Vermont

Kenan Flagler Business School

Hospitality

Stratton Mountain Resort

Celebrity Cruises

Agencies

Fallon

Crispin Porter Bogusky

The Martin Agency

JDK / Solidarity of Unbridled Labour

Mechanica

Sterling Brands

Say hello