Designer Max France has joined UTÖKA’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 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.
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, Max France 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,” said UTÖKA CCO Ed 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 our 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,” said 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 Creative Circus Student Show.
“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,” said Julie Kutler, UTÖKA’s group creative director. “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.”
UTÖKA is a hybrid creative agency blending strategic design and end-to-end production services.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More