UTÖKA CCO, Ed Dye, has announced the addition of designer Max France to the creative company’s roster of artists. France joins the Atlanta-based studio’s growing team of collaborative talent, expanding its capabilities as a one-stop creative house specializing in meeting the needs of today’s brands across multiple platforms.

Prior to joining UTÖKA, France honed his skills during stints as a designer at the Atlanta division of Iris Worldwide, and as a graphic designer and screen printer at Red Weir Athletic Supplier.

We were very impressed with Max’s range of skills as a designer, illustrator and motion graphics designer, as well as his commitment to growing as an artist.

France interned as a graphic designer at Columbia College while earning his B.F.A. in Graphics Design with a minor in painting. After graduating in 2013, he continued his training at The Creative Circus where he studied design and art direction. A fine artist, skilled at motion graphics, as well as logo, print and packaging design, The designer explores a mix of techniques and technologies, seeking out fresh, engaging ways to communicate a brand’s message with compelling visual stories.

“UTÖKA is always looking for talent that is experienced in working across a variety of genres and adept at a mix of programs. We were very impressed with Max’s range of skills as a designer, illustrator and motion graphics designer, as well as his commitment to growing as an artist,” says Dye. “His interest in expanding into 3D, one of UTÖKA’s core capabilities, and ability to traverse mediums and creative disciplines, makes him a perfect fit with UTÖKA’s vision.”

“I really enjoy being part of a collaborative team. UTÖKA provides me with an opportunity to work with a wide range of multi-disciplined talent – from creative directors, animators, FX artists, and photographers to editors, directors, and producers,” says France. “They’re a great group of artists with a shared creative energy that inspires me to push boundaries.”

While still a young designer, France’s talents received numerous accolades. His packaging design for Yellow Leaf Granola was a Top Ten Finalist at last year’s 48 Hour Repack Design Awards, an invitation-only, package design competition created to spotlight the artistry of tomorrow’s most talented design professional. The digital covers France designed for a trio of books by Jack Kerouac earned him the Silver Award at the prestigious Creative Circus Student Show.

“UTÖKA has built a team with talent, tenacity and creative ingenuity. We’re inspired by the design elements that are all around us, shaping consumers’ everyday environments at multiple touch-points,” says Julie Kutler, the company’s group creative director.

“We’re all about applying our collective artistry and creative sensibilities to designing brand messages that elevate this visual landscape – while maximizing the impact of a brand’s visual identity,” adds Kutler. “Max shares this passion. He’s an emerging talent with a fresh aesthetic and the creative agility needed to strengthen the connection between the visual elements of a brand’s message and today’s consumers.”

About UTÖKA

UTÖKA is a hybrid creative agency blending strategic design and end-to-end production services. Our collaborative collective of artists is skilled at crafting a diverse range of deliverables that includes everything from stand-alone logos, packaging, print, merchandise, signage, environmental design and collateral material to online content and broadcast campaigns – and integrating them into memorable brand stories.

For additional information about UTÖKA visit www.utoka.co.