360-DEGREE DESIGN AND
STORYTELLING, FROM CONCEPT
TO COMPLETION.
STORYTELLING, FROM CONCEPT
TO COMPLETION.
MEETOUR TEAM
designers, strategists, writers, and animators,
with an extended team of specialists all over the globe.
Kristen Shenk
Founder + Creative Director
Catherine Lewandowski
Senior Art Director
John Timmerman
Digital Strategy Director
Francisco Garrido
Animator
Haruki Higashi
Illustrator + Designer
Paige Gilstad
Designer
Additional Collaborators —
Riccardo Agostinelli — Frank Nitty — Rachel Rettie — Dan O Comite — Sophia Banks — Edgar Ramirez — Alyssa Gonzalez Torres — Diego Salinas — Zed Yasay — Mo Daoud — M.G. Lötter — Heather Hazzan — Pete McDaniel — Kat Page —
Tommy Ditsu — Kendall Henderson — Della Tosin — We Are Creative — Grayson Kohs — Emily Skaer — Prachi Sheth — Silvia Sguotti — Parker Nash — Chanelle Nibbelink — Kalle Crafton — Amanda Dease
OUR
STORY
Our Origin Story: A Letter From Our Founder
I never thought I would start an agency.
I grew up in a small town in rural Ohio — less than 3000 people.
When going to college, I thought I would try this “graphic design thing.” I was an artsy type (amongst a non-artsy family of doctors, lawyers, and teachers), but I had never even touched a Mac before.
In college I learned to create not only “graphics” but also video, 3D, prints, paintings, and most importantly how to think, ideate, conceptualize, and cultivate the courage to create.
Then by some stroke of wild luck, I landed a coveted post-graduate internship at my absolute Dream Job: Nike.
For the next decade at Nike, I art directed photo shoots with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. I designed and art directed global campaigns, footwear + apparel graphics, product launches, events, the Olympics even! I traveled first-class to 5 continents, expanding my aperture and collecting inspiration, data, and experiences.
Then, I transitioned from my Dream Job to the City of Dreams: NYC.
I led some iconic beverage brands at an iconic, century-old company — Pepsi — while developing critical leadership skills, navigating the business of design, earning a seat at the table, and learning a tough lesson or 2.
And then I took a leap of faith. With next-to-no traditional agency experience, I thought I would try this “agency thing.”
I wanted autonomy. I wanted to challenge myself — to see what I was made of. I wanted to be closer to the craft.
And after 10+ years within giant matrixed organizations, it was time to come home to my creative core —
To find my voice — not Nike’s voice, not Pepsi’s voice. But MY voice. OUR voice. And the voices of our esteemed clients.
To delight in the creative process.
To revel in the challenges and triumphs of business ownership — a challenge that has allowed me to discover a whole new side of myself that I never knew existed.
5 years on, and I’m proud to have built a phenomenal team and a kick-ass body of work.
And perhaps most rewardingly, to have developed unwavering Trust + Belief. Within myself, in our collective vision, in the process, and in all of our collaborators + clients.
It gives me so much joy and energy to create work I love alongside truly wonderful people.
Thanks for being here. We would love to collaborate with you to build your brand and tell your story!
— Kristen Shenk, MLTI Founder + Creative Director
PRESS ANDFEATURES
Presentation To University Of Michigan CMYK Design Group
“Crafting a Compelling Story”Presentation To University Of Michigan Zell Lurie Institute
“Taking the Leap, Saying Yes to Uncertainty, AND Trusting the Process”Presentation To 6453 Alumni (Nike Alumni Group)
“Behind the Design”Social Platform and Book
The Mindful Creative