Welcome to Michael Stone Graphic Design & Art
Design is a landscape of endless possibilities—where every choice shapes a story, every detail builds meaning, and every project is an invitation to create something extraordinary. It’s a space where imagination has no boundaries, where curiosity fuels innovation, and where bold ideas lead to uncharted creative territories.
In my work, I embrace experimentation, adapt to change, and take thoughtful risks to craft visuals that resonate. This portfolio is a collection of those explorations—designs that blend clarity with impact, strategy with artistry. Here, the process is as inspiring as the final result, and every project is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark. The only limit is how far we choose to push the vision forward.
Please take a look at the type of work I do, along with my style. If you have a project in mind, contact me. Whatever the stage of your project, let’s discuss how I might help. I can even help you craft a design brief or brand guide if you need those. We can develop a schedule together, or you can give me a timeframe you already have in mind. To me, the process of design is both iterative and collaborative. Communication will keep your project on time and within your budget. Let’s do this together!
Project Info
- Title: Global Clean Water Initiative Poster
- Course: SNHU · GRA-290
- Goal: Recruit volunteers for clean water in Mexico
- Audience: Community members & volunteers
- Tools: InDesign, Photoshop
Design Notes
- Type: Montserrat & Crimson Pro for clarity
- Image: Centered portrait to humanize the cause
- Color: Teal + warm reds/yellows for contrast
- Layout: Clear hierarchy, bold headline, direct CTA
Designer’s Notes
Intent: respectful, immediate impact.
- Lead with a human connection.
- Large, high-contrast headline for urgency.
- Minimal copy; fast scan to CTA.
Takeaway: Clear hierarchy + cultural sensitivity drive action.
Project Info
- Title: Cheese Festival Poster
- Course: SNHU · GRA-290
- Goal: Promote a local cheese festival
- Audience: Families & food lovers
- Tools: InDesign, Photoshop
Design Notes
- Type: Bold sans-serif for impact
- Color: Teal + yellow for high contrast
- Layout: Vertical “CHEESE” headline, circular date badge
- Imagery: Cheese platter as focal point
Designer’s Notes
Playful, high-contrast design to capture attention.
- Big vertical headline anchors the layout.
- Bright circle highlights key event details.
- Cheese platter photo draws the eye and appetite.
Takeaway: Bold type + imagery = fun, family-friendly appeal.
Project Info
- Title: Preserving the Legacy — Magazine Feature
- Course: SNHU · GRA-340 (Typography)
- Goal: Editorial layout showcasing hierarchy & readability
- Audience: General readers / heritage issue
- Tools: InDesign (layout), Photoshop (image prep)
Design Notes
- Grid: Two-column with baseline rhythm
- Type: Bold sans headline; serif body for long-form comfort
- Hierarchy: Deck, byline, drop caps, pull-quote, caption
- Palette: Black + warm red accents + soft sage subhead
- Image: Historic portrait; credit in caption
Photo © Provincial Archives of Alberta (Unsplash).
Designer’s Notes
Editorial clarity first; cultural respect in tone and imagery.
- Strong headline & deck set the voice.
- Drop caps + pull-quote create scanning entry points.
- Tight measure/leading for comfortable reading.
- Balanced image weight with anchored caption.
Takeaway: Consistent grid + typographic hierarchy = effortless read.
Project Info
- Title: WEI X — Angles of Color (Exhibition Poster)
- Course: SNHU · GRA-310
- Goal: Promote museum exhibition + ARTtalk event
- Audience: Museum visitors & art community
- Tools: InDesign, Illustrator/Photoshop
Design Notes
- Type: Geometric sans for bold titles; clean sans for details
- Palette: Navy, cream, soft gold accents
- Layout: Oversized “X” motif; strong hierarchy; anchored info bar
- Imagery: Abstract geometric backdrop to echo “angles of color”
Designer’s Notes
Contemporary museum vibe with inclusive messaging.
- Large “X” as identity anchor and visual entry.
- High contrast title vs. soft background for legibility.
- Dark band isolates dates/location & ARTtalk CTA.
Takeaway: Clear hierarchy + iconic form = memorable poster.
Project Info
- Title: Headmaster Harry & the House of Hollow Vows — Dust-Jacket
- Course: SNHU · GRA-290
- Format: Full wrap (front, back, spine, flaps)
- Goal: Concept a fantasy sequel cover; practice print production
- Tools: InDesign (layout), Photoshop (compositing), Illustrator (ornaments)
Design Notes
- Type: Classic serif display for title; clean sans for support
- Palette: Deep greens/blues with gold rules & panels
- Grid: Modular grid; consistent margins and rule system
- Elements: Title lockup, author plate, reviews, barcode, bio panel
- Production: Spine width by page count; 0.125" bleeds; safe zones
Fan-made concept for portfolio/education; not affiliated with the original IP.
Designer’s Notes
Cinematic nostalgia with a fresh chapter vibe.
- Castle night scene sets mood; hero adds narrative focus.
- Gold title panel for hierarchy and shelf impact.
- Legible spine and orderly back-cover copy for real-world usability.
- Ornamental rules/frames unify front, spine, and flaps.
Takeaway: Storytelling visuals + disciplined production = bookstore-ready cover.
Project Info
- Title: Fernscape Interiors — Marketing Site
- Course: SNHU · GRA-310 (Web)
- Goal: Lightweight, responsive site for a plant/interiors brand
- Stack: HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap 5, vanilla JS (carousel)
- Role: Design + front-end build
Features
- Responsive navbar & hero carousel
- Services section with card layout
- Clear CTA to consult / contact
- Semantic HTML, ARIA labels, alt text
- Optimized images & clean CSS utility classes
Designer’s Notes
Modern, calming aesthetic aligned with interior greenery.
- Warm neutrals + deep green accents for brand tone.
- Large hero imagery; concise copy for quick scanning.
- Bootstrap grid for fast, accessible responsiveness.
- Reusable CSS utilities keep the codebase lean.
Takeaway: Standards-based HTML/CSS that looks sharp and loads fast.