Michael Metzger

Associate Creative Director of Design, Fingerhut

Professional Overview
Michael Metzger is an accomplished creative professional with over 15 years of experience in design, art direction, and visual storytelling. As the Associate Creative Director of Design at Fingerhut, he oversees the development of compelling visual assets and brand experiences that drive customer engagement and sales.

Experience Summary

Current Role
In his current position, Michael is responsible for leading a team of designers and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to conceptualize, design, and deliver a wide range of digital and print marketing materials. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall creative direction and ensuring the consistent execution of Fingerhut's brand identity across all customer touchpoints.

Under Michael's leadership, the design team has achieved significant successes, including a 23% increase in email open rates and a 15% lift in click-through rates for key marketing campaigns. His ability to translate complex business objectives into visually striking and user-friendly designs has been instrumental in driving the company's marketing and e-commerce initiatives.

Career Progression
Prior to joining Fingerhut, Michael held several progressive design leadership roles at Bluestem Brands, Inc., where he advanced from Art Director to Senior Design Manager, overseeing a team of designers and photographers. During his tenure, he spearheaded the redesign of the company's flagship e-commerce platform, resulting in a 12% increase in online conversions.

Earlier in his career, Michael served as a Senior Graphic Designer and Photographer at Lakewinds Food Co-op, where he played a pivotal role in developing the organization's visual identity and marketing materials. He also gained valuable experience as a Digital Artist at Linda's Photography, honing his skills in digital manipulation and post-processing.

Academic Background
Michael holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Minnesota. During his studies, he was recognized for his outstanding academic achievements, graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors.

Areas of Expertise

• Brand identity and visual design

• Digital marketing and e-commerce

• Photography and image curation

• Design team leadership and mentorship

• Creative problem-solving and strategic thinking

Professional Impact
Michael's design work has been recognized with several industry awards, including a Gold ADDY Award for his innovative packaging design and a Silver Davey Award for a highly effective email marketing campaign. He is also a passionate advocate for design education, having served on the Graphic Design Advisory Board at Hennepin Technical College for over a decade.

Conclusion
With his exceptional creative vision, strategic mindset, and proven track record of delivering impactful design solutions, Michael Metzger is poised to continue driving Fingerhut's creative initiatives and elevating the brand's visual presence in the highly competitive e-commerce landscape.