Immediately after graduating from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in December of 2000, Michael Allen had no idea where he wanted to start his career. An interview, arranged by Professor Dan Johnson, ultimately placed Michael in New York City working for one of its best agencies – Wallace Church.
“I had never really thought about moving to New York until the opportunity presented itself, and I jumped at the chance.” Allen says. “It was a fantastic time in my life and career and if it hadn’t been for Dan making a phone call, my entire life would be different. I am really indebted to him.”
After working in New York for a few years, Allen moved to Chicago where he has designed packaging and products for various brands such as: Tresemme, St Ives, Nexxus, Valspar, Jim Beam, Land O’Lakes, and others. He is currently Design Director of Brand Identity at Webb deVlam, Chicago where he leads a team of designers on numerous projects in the Spirits, Health & Beauty, and Food/Beverage categories.
“I think the best part of my job is collaboration with both my colleagues and our clients. We create a tailored solution for a design problem together and it shows in our work. You can see how the final product is the result of collaboration between strategists, graphic and industrial designers, and the client. All disciplines work together to make sure we are solving the problem and delivering great design.”
A native of the Detroit area, Allen entered Belmont initially as a music major studying classical composition, but eventually switched to design.
“My roommate was a graphic design major and it looked like so much fun. I took a semester of design classes and I was hooked. I never would have thought I would have ended up where I am now, but I’m really glad it happened that way. I have experienced so much and have traveled all over the world working on Branding. It’s been pretty amazing I have to say. I wouldn’t change anything and I’m truly grateful to be doing what I’m doing.”
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