Mike Daines

Biography

Mike Daines is a design educator and practitioner whose research focuses on the intersection of experimental and client-based design methodologies. His background includes 20 years of practice in a broad range of sectors including architecture, the arts, education, technology, entertainment, fashion, and sports. He has worked with clients including the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), MTV, Nike, Everlane, Prada, NBC, Columbia Pictures, Facebook, and the Science Channel. In addition to his position at Utah State University, Mike is a founding partner and acting creative director at the Afton Klein Group, a hybrid design/architecture consultancy based in Salt Lake City.

Mike’s work has been recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), the Chicago Society of Typographic Arts (STA), and the University and College Designers Association (UCDA). In 2019, he received the Scholar/Creative Artist of the Year award from the Caine College of the Arts, and in 2023, TDK (The Design Kids) named him one of the top 30 design educators globally.

Prior to Utah State, Mike taught at Otis College of Art and Design (Los Angeles), College for Creative Studies (Detroit), and University of Detroit Mercy. An active lecturer, he has presented or reviewed at Cranbrook Academy of Art, Southern Illinois University, Western Michigan University, Oklahoma State University, and San Diego State University.