Matt Kabel

Independent Freelancer that delivers a broad range of services with the highest level of forethought, preparedness, and resources to provide a unique design experience. Honesty and definitive guidance throughout the creative process are the core components of my philosophy. Working as a creative partner with clients, I provide: consultation and strategy, brand identity and system design, marketing and social media solutions, and copy/content writing for artists, entrepreneurs, small and large businesses, and non-profit organizations.

As Senior Designer and Project/Design Lead, I worked directly with the Partners and the VPs of Creative and Marketing. I created and maintained a curiousity-driven design culture that focused on questioning and discovery. I regularly provided mentorship and direction to junior talent. I required that no stone be left unturned and to constantly challenge and push oneself for new ideas and solutions. I applied my skill and team leadership to a multitude of projects: comprehensive visual identity systems, strategic branding programs, immersive environmental experiences, targeted advertising campaigns, conceptual product development initiatives, and consumer-focused packaging design—with my hands involved in each phase of the design process from initial concept to final production. Client relations ranged from the smallest one-man-operation to global corporations. No matter the scale or prestige, every challenge was met with the same degree of professionalism, attention to detail, and eagerness to deliver the very best solution based on the individual needs of the client.

Junior Designer working with senior level staff, I met and exceeded the status quo through exemplary design, thoughtful and meticulous execution, and dedication to surpassing set expectations. Acute attention to detail and following the standards set forth by the Creative Director, I quickly established a higher level of best practices working within a fast-paced design team. Scope of projects for the commercial and luxury real estate market included (but were not limited to) corporate sales annuals and reports, presentation and promotional materials, brand identity and supporting print collateral, signage, marketing brochures and catalogs, and floor plan schematics.

If there was ever a job that made you the coolest kid at the lunch table, this was the one. I’m still a big kid when it comes to cars, so being able to work behind the scenes of Matchbox and Tyco R/C (two brands that made so many of the toys that littered my bedroom floor) was sort of a dream come true. My position as Graphic Designer for Mattel’s Matchbox and Tyco R/C divisions, I enthusiastically and proactively engaged in brain storming sessions, conceptualization of new product initiatives, development, refinement, and final art of on-product colorways and graphics, presentation to upper management, and the rare (but much rewarding) test and tune of prototype products for engineering feedback. The sight of a 1:18th scale Ford Mustang on the shelves with your initials and birth year on the plate really doesn’t get any more awesome.