Celebrating Our Second Year!
Two years ago I created my eponymous design consulting studio. I'm so happy with how much we have grown and accomplished. Our small and nimble team has been bringing a surprising amount to market. I've been pleased with the variety of projects we have been tackling, from large strategic design programs that impact brand marketing and product portfolio direction for brands like CCM Hockey and Kirei, to very technical design for production work for Biltwell and Carpenter Watches, along with more conceptually focused work for Hasbro and Cole Haan.
In addition to project work I published my second book, "365 | One Year of Design Sketching Every Day" which is now available on Amazon. I also had the opportunity to speak at the Core77 "Now What?" conference in Brooklyn on the topic of long range career planning, led several workshops for high school and college students for the New School of Architecture and Design, and spoke on podcasts for *minor details and Design Your Thinking. To cap it all off, for the second year in a row I have been a juror for the International Design Excellence Awards.
We also have a bit of an announcement to make. My wife, Kristina, and I have decided to move the studio and our lives from San Diego to Portland. We are very excited to be a part of the creative culture there. I'm also hoping to get us a large enough studio space that we can start offering master classes for students and professionals. I hope to be able to share more on that in our next anniversary email.
A big thank you to everyone who helped make our second year such a success!
Transformers
We were incredibly excited to work on the early conceptual design of multiple Autobots for the new Transformers Siege line. These concepts influenced some of what was on screen in the intro to the Bumblebee movie and several have been made into toys that are now available. Buy them here:
365 | One Year of Design Sketching Every Day
In 2017 I did a sketch-a-day project inspired by Spencer Nugent. In 2018 I turned that project into a hard bound book. It is basically a physical version of Instagram. Canvas bound with high quality printing and a full color dust jacket, 365 makes a great book to have around the office.
Carpenter Watches
We were so happy to work with Carpenter Watches on their M18 model. This is the first time the Michael DiTullo logo has ever appeared on a product. The watch is sold out, but you can learn more about the process by viewing the case study.
Olympic Torch Proposal
In 2012 I was asked to submit a proposal for Olympic medals and a torch. We never moved past the proposal stage, but working with RPM in Austin, two prototypes were created. We took these out of the archives this year to create a small case study on the project. It would have been wonderful to see these on the torch route, but at least we have some beautiful full size prototypes in the studio.
Kirei
In 2019 we entered into an ongoing agreement with Kirei, a leading provider of architectural wall and ceiling systems, to consult on their strategic brand position, branding, innovation pipeline, and new products. We look forward to sharing more about our collaboration with Kirei as it becomes public.
The Future
We have been doing a lot of projects in the IOT, wearable tech, and autonomous automotive spaces for brands from Europe to China. I look forward to sharing some of those with you next year.
In the News
Over last 12 months I have spoken at several conferences and schools and also had the opportunity to do interviews for Art & Design, a Chinese print magazine, Amerifine, *minor details, and the Design Your Thinking podcast. I feel like sharing what we do is an integral part of our profession.
Other Pod Casts and Interviews
Core77 interview with Emily Engle
Thank you again to everyone who helped make year two a success. Year three promises to be just as exciting with several large projects already in the works. Hit that blue button below to learn more about working with us or to get on our project schedule.
Solution-driven director in design and product development
5yCongratulations. Hoping for many more.
Senior Industrial Designer
5yMike the beer is better up there. No wait it is better in SD. Or there is just great beer everywhere. Sorry to hear that SD will be losing you.
Senior Industrial Designer at Ford Motor Company
5yCongratulations to you and your team! And best of luck on the transition to Portland... SD will be sad to see you go.
VP of Leadership Development & Innovation, Executive Coach Transforming the Way You Lead. | Papillon MDC Inc.
5yCongrats Michael DiTullo... BUT I am not surprised one bit. Wishing you and your team much more success in the years that follow!
Founding Designer at designconquest.com
5yCongrats Michael, and Godspeed for year three! I’m curious, is the business culture in SoCal limited in ID opportunities?