For over 20 years, I’ve worked across motion design, animation, VFX, and live action, leading teams to create design-driven films, brand campaigns, and interactive and immersive experiences.
Most recently, I was Head of Design and a creative director at The Mill, where I spent over a decade shaping pitch-winning ideas, mentoring talent, and guiding projects from napkin scribbles to final delivery. I adore the early chaos, but I can’t let go until it’s out in the wild.
I’ve made Emmy-nominated main titles, led widely loved campaigns like Google's #BestPhonesForever, and collaborated with some of my favorite directors and clients in the industry. Whether I’m sketching ideas, writing treatments, designing frames, or directing talent, I stay close to the work.
I’m inspired by music, photography, art, tech, motion, and my family. Currently open to new collaborations—freelance, full-time, or something in between.
Email to say hi or connect with me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Select Awards & Honors
2024 Webby Winner / Google — Circling Around
2023 Emmy Nomination, Main Title Design / Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities
2022 MoMA Permanent Collection / AICP Awards Show
2017 Clio Bronze / Simparica — Wild World
2017 Hermes Platinum / Simparica — Wild World
2015 Promax BDA Silver / Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Main Titles (as Lead Animator)
2012 Promax BDA Global Gold / Nick Image Campaign (as animator)
2012 Promax BDA Gold / Kunskapskanalen (as animator)
2012 Promax BDA Silver / TV Land (as animator)
Talks & Presentations
2023 OFFF MX
— Main Stage Speaker2023 Centro University — Featured Guest Speaker
2017 Adobe Video World — Keynote Speaker
2017 NAB Maxon — Presenter
2016 NAB NYC Maxon — Presenter
© 2025 Mike Schaeffer. All rights reserved. All trademarks, logos, and content are the property of their respective owners.