PLACEMAKING

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creative placemaking

I create artful, branded interiors that turn everyday spaces into memorable moments. Think selfie-worthy walls that guests can’t resist, immersive mood rooms that inspire, and lounges and break areas that make employees feel at home — and proud to be there. With deep experience as a Creative Director and visual designer, I blend graphic design, storytelling, and spatial strategy to help you create an environment that feels like you.

selfie walls

A great selfie wall isn’t just decor — it’s a marketing engine. When guests snap, share, and tag your space on social media, your brand travels further than any ad budget can. I design bold, on-brand selfie moments that people want to pose with, turning your lobby, lounge, or hallway into an Instagrammable destination that draws new visitors in and keeps the buzz going.

mood rooms

Art-driven spaces that evoke emotion elevate your brand identity. A mood room is crafted to reflect an atmosphere — calm, bold, luxe. From a spa room as a calming escape, to a high-energy gym with bold visuals, color, and motivational elements, to an opulent, high-touch boutique environment that speaks to exclusivity.

community spaces

Through intentional design, interactive art, and inviting colors, I turn underused areas into hubs of connection, creativity, and pride. Whether it’s a break room that fosters team culture or an outdoor rest area that welcomes everyone in, these spaces give people a reason to gather — and a sense that they belong.

WHAT YOU GET

Increased Engagement + Brand Loyalty — spaces people want to be in
Social-ready installations — photo-op moments that organically fuel social media buzz
Collaborative Creative Direction — hands-on creative leadership from start to finish
Custom tailored design concepts that reflect your brand’s voice, vision, and values

how does it work?

the process

Step 1: WE TALK

We start with a simple conversation. I meet with you to understand your goals and objectives. If remote, I work with photos, blueprints, or virtual walkthroughs. We discuss what kind of feeling you want the art to bring, and any ideas or inspiration you may have. If you’re not sure, that’s okay — I’ll guide you through it.

Step 2: I CREATE A CONCEPT

Based on our talk, I’ll develop a concept and share sketches or digital mockups to communicate the aesthetic and atmosphere we want to create. You’ll be able to give feedback and help shape the direction until it feels right.

Step 3: I CREATE THE ART

Once we agree on the direction, I begin the final work. I keep you updated as it comes together, and we stay in touch throughout the process.

Step 4: DELIVERY + INSTALLATION

When the piece is ready, I make sure it gets to you safely. If you need help with placement or installation, I can assist or coordinate with professionals in your area.

Step 5: THE BIG REVEAL

We create a buzz around the piece’s unveiling and professionally capture the transformation for your personal and promotional use

If you’re thinking about how to bring more presence, feeling, or personality into your space, I’d be happy to talk with you about what’s possible

LET'S START A CONVERSATION

"I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle through my agency in Denver for many years. Michelle is one of the most brilliant, creative professionals I know. She has a unique ability to understand what a person is trying to express and deliver the perfect approach to hit the mark and meet their artistic visual goals."

KRISTI ESTES, CIG PUBLIC RELATIONS, LLC

"Michelle has provided us with something so valuable to us as a team. We look at the work every day and we are reminded of where we came from, who we are, and what we can achieve together. It is everything that we had hoped we would get. The works have become a centerpiece for our offices, our personalities are right there for all to see and we love it! Working with Michelle was so easy, it felt so effortless to get our thoughts out, the best bit is seeing those thoughts translated into art that we all identify with so easily. Inspiring work and a pleasure to collaborate with."

WAYNE SCHOLLS, REDTOUCH MEDIA, INC.

"An art campaign strategy for Qdoba® restaurants was to visually communicate an "art persona” for the restaurant chain. I worked with Michelle to help with the brand persona of “The Contessa". Michelle created over fifty original works of art to be reproduced throughout their national restaurant locations. The Chief Marketing Officer and design team were thrilled that Michelle’s work captured the essence and persona of their brand quickly and intuitively. The work she did was rigorous, creative, on time and budget and the client was extremely pleased."

KENDALL PETERSON, THERESQUARED, LLC

“Michelle Carnes’ vibrant colors and expressive images capture the personality of her subjects in surprising ways. We commissioned this energetic and engaging piece for a large wall in a media room. It delights our guests as they come down the stairs, and truly defines the space. The intensity of the colors, the play with reflected light and the drama of the brush work and framing preserve its presence even when lights are lowered for movie watching. Michelle is an excellent partner in design and was ready to make suggestions and incorporate our preferences. She was extremely helpful in placement and hanging. The process was entirely enjoyable, and we could not be happier with the outcome.”

ANN B., Art Collector