Practice
Michael Dancer provides a thorough research driven design approach. This detailed process adapts to all forms of design briefs; from designing and defining comprehensive style guides for brands or websites, to designing brand identities or responsive websites. He brings a focused, committed and detailed approach and works closely with small organisations/charities which wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to create professionally designed material that communicates.

Michael recently completed the rebranding of Turning Point Scotland, a charity organisation providing person centred support to adults with a range of complex needs across Scotland. He consolidated the role of brand advisor by ensuring consistency and quality of application, both with internal and external design users. Initially with the identity, then brand development, and it’s application to brochures, leaflets, exhibitions, presentations, newsletters, website and signage. Throughout this time he developed and refined the visual look working closely with the Communications and Marketing team.

When not in his studio Michael is a Lecturer at The Glasgow School of Art on the BA (Hons) Communication Design Course.

Biography
Michael Dancer studied at The Glasgow School of Art, first establishing his practice in illustration and graphic design. He worked with Milton Glaser in New York and then with The Small Back Room in London, crafting his own visual language against a background of post independent punk music and culture. Michael returned to Scotland in 1990 working with the highly respected McIlroy Coates based in Leith. The studio’s branding, packaging, redesign and visual identity work focused on a variety of clients, from The University of Edinburgh, United Distillers, Clydesdale Bank and William Low supermarkets.

Michael was a creative partner of Domino with Mary Asiedu (GSA alumni) in Edinburgh. Clients included: Theatre Workshop, Art In Partnership, Festival Fringe and The Faculty of Divinity at The University of Edinburgh. During this time he worked as a final year lecturer in the Design School of The Glasgow School of Art and also completed freelance design work for a number of design studios in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.

Michael returned to Glasgow in 2000 accepting a role as Design Director at Pointsize Associates. Michael was directly involved with brand development for The University of Edinburgh, Glasgow Museums and Scottish Enterprise on a day to day basis offering innovative thinking.

An opportunity to work with Joe Hall emerged in 2008. As Design Director at Cityhall, Michael managed projects from conception to delivery. The process involved: liaising with clients, formulating briefs, producing concepts, presenting them to the client, working with copywriters, illustrators, photographers and web developers to deliver solutions. Michael has received three Scottish Design Awards. Michael became a part-time Lecturer at The Glasgow School of Art in 2010.