Mike Franke

Director of Multimedia, Business Development @Icarus Studios, Inc. Tech nerd. Guitar player/worshiper. 80s music connoisseur. Dad and Husband.

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A Quick Gulp of Air!

Wow, my eyes are starting to twitch from working in Photoshop for the last few weeks! We have been doing some really cool pitches for some awesome, well known IPs! I am hoping that I can one day share what exactly, because that will mean we have the opportunity to work with them!

Also, working with concept artists is absolutely inspiring. Having an idea pop in your head to be fully realized in concept art is so mind-blowing! Much respect for people who possess this talent and can also do it with a quick turn-around!

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Successful Launch!

Now witness the firepower of this fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL... website!

After months of layout designs and Photoshop wizardry the new Icarus Studios website is up and away! Incorporating our logo re-brand, we created an entirely new version of our website. Along with updated Facebook and Twitter accounts.

I was responsible for much of the graphic design including background, front page sliders, headers, buttons, layouts, etc as well as some writing. Fun fact: ALL of the site's headers were created from photos taken on my iPhone 4S... use what you have, right?

Since launching we have seen dramatically improved numbers in visits as well as business development opportunities and applicants for jobs. Now to get some sleep WITHOUT dreaming in Photoshop!

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A teaser trailer I created for "HeroClix Online". I worked on the script, motion graphics, editing, compositing, sound design and audio mix. The models were done by our awesome art dept and sent to me as tga seq. Motion Graphics/Compositing: After Effects Editing/Final Render: Final Cut Pro Audio: Pro Tools Music: FirstCom

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Visit Original Link

This is a piece I wrote and recorded for the game "Fallen Earth". It features "Firefly"-esque guitars and a simple rhythm accompaniment. This turned out to be one of the most popular tunes on the released soundtrack, even getting requests from fans for the sheet music!

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Rebranding: Logo Design

After some tumultuous times at my current employer we were all ready to rise up and show the industry that we were back and ready to rock. Ultimately it was time to upgrade our company image, the first step was to refresh our company logo.

Our old logo was good and got us very far, but we wanted something different. Here is an example of our old logo:

I went to the drawing board and fired up Adobe Illustrator. We wanted to look a little more accessible as well as modern. Reviewing our old logo, we decided it was almost two separate logos: the winged character and the actual text. So it was important to unify everything into a more concise logo. We also wanted text that was less "stoic" and easier on the eyes. Through trying different color ideas, we decided that we needed to stay with orange in order to preserve some of our original identity.

After much iteration and some crazy ideas the team approved this final design:

I was able to incorporate everything into a simpler, single design. The text has some softer/smoother lines and is easy to read, even when smaller. The singular wing is nestled alongside the text and adds the orange that we are known for. The hue of orange is also a bit different, less red than previously.

In the end, everyone was excited about the new look and feel for Icarus Studios.

Stay tuned for more...

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A brief overview video for the xScape Platform. This is used on the Icarus Studios website. I worked on the design, script, motion graphics, game captures, editing, sound design and mixing. Motion Graphics: After Effects, Photoshop Editing/Renders: Final Cut Pro Capturing: Fraps, ScreenFlow, Compressor Audio: Pro Tools Music: FirstCom

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Visit Original Link

I created this a few months ago. It was intended for a marketing trailer showing off cool technology. The piece was written in the style of hip, British Indie Rock. I wrote, recorded and mixed the project in about 2-3 days using ProTools. All of the instruments are yours truly... well, I programmed the drums :)

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Engage Ludicrous Speed!

So a little has changed since I started flirting with tumblr. This past May I became the Director of Multimedia at Icarus Studios! I have also started doing Business Development for my company... trying to stay busy.

This is a new direction for me and my career. For most all of my professional life I have been an audio guy... of course over the years I have been dabbling more and more with Video, Graphic Design and Web. It is funny how things sometimes work out... all of the knowledge and skills I have been riffing on have somehow coalesced into a new path for me.

I am lucky in that Icarus Studios is flexible enough to allow me the time and resources to develop professionally... for that I am grateful.

On here you will start seeing me post videos, graphic design, web stuff, etc. So keep a lookout.

Also, if you're feeling brave add me on LinkedIn. All for now!

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Visit Original Link

A piece created for "Fallen Earth". Here I was going for an oppressive, militaristic feel relying heavily on low brass and heavy drums.

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This is my Audio Demo Reel from 2010.

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Giving This A Try

Well, after having a flash-based site I think it is time to try something new... something that will work on all platforms, especially mobile.

Here we go...

-Mike