Mike Force is a designer, brand manager, art director, photographer, painter, illustrator, and all-around problem solver—with a fine-art foundation that gives his work a sharp creative edge. His background in painting and illustration fuels his ability to think visually, experiment fearlessly, and bring a level of originality to branding that feels fresh, intentional, and unmistakably his. He also brings the pragmatism of a production expert, the clarity of a systems thinker, and, for good measure, the enthusiasm of a committed craft beer lover and RHP’s Chairman’s Award recipient for Communication and Collaboration.
For 13 years, Mike shaped branding and experiential design at Harvest Creative, contributing to national campaigns for Wendy’s, Walmart, and Tractor Supply Co., while developing distinctive identities for local restaurants and consumer products. During that time, he also spent 14 years as the creative designer for Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis, crafting everything from seasonal play artwork to merchandise, donor materials, and full campaign systems.
Most recently, Mike served as Senior Creative Designer for Opry Entertainment Group, creating and maintaining brand expressions for Ole Red, Category 10, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Grand Ole Opry. His work supported the company’s broader presence across internal, B2B, and B2C touchpoints—bringing art, strategy, and execution together in one unified creative voice.
RYMAN HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES
Senior Creative Designer 2019-2024
Brand assets for RHP Corporate and Opry Entertainment Group were managed to ensure the identity system remained accurate and consistent across all touchpoints and platforms within the corporate environment. A comprehensive brand asset library was developed to provide employees and stakeholders—across corporate offices and venues—with access to current, easy-to-use materials. This resource enabled teams to create on-brand, in-venue collateral confidently, while improving efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining visual consistency. In addition to corporate and venue branding, identity systems were also created for internal, employee-focused projects, helping strengthen culture and alignment throughout the organization.
HARVEST CREATIVE
Creative Director / Photographer / Animator / Illustrator 2007-2019
Joining Harvest Creative as the first employee on its two-person founding team, the role grew alongside the studio, helping shape the creative department through recruiting and collaboration with a talented team of designers. Contributions spanned award-winning branding and experiential projects for clients ranging from Walmart, Tractor Supply Co., and Wendy’s to a wide variety of local restaurants and businesses. The work was highly hands-on, developing deep expertise in print production, fabrication techniques, illustration, and team management. Harvest Creative provided the opportunity to hone craft, expand capabilities, and build impactful brand experiences from the ground up.
Creative Designer + Brand Strategy Consultant 2006-2019
Creative direction for Hattiloo Theatre was developed in close collaboration with the founder, shaping each season’s unique theme and comprehensive branding. The extensive body of work encompassed integrated campaign design, including imagery for the poster series, brochures, fundraising materials, merchandise, and digital assets. A targeted identity refresh was completed for both the icon and logotype to align with the theatre’s growth, alongside visual storytelling through art-directed photoshoots that captured authentic imagery celebrating Black stories and the theatre’s mission. This work was instrumental in defining the visual “Hattiloo Experience” and supporting the organization’s legacy as the region’s only freestanding Black repertory theatre.
Graphic Designer + Digital Print Specialist 2004-2007
Working in digital printing and file management became a hands-on crash course in troubleshooting and fixing almost any file-prep problem. It taught me the ins and outs of production workflows, organization, and handling digital assets. The fast pace meant staying quick and accurate while juggling a constant stream of jobs. Along the way, I did press checks, managed product fulfillment, and picked up a wide range of technical skills—from alpha channels to Zip drives.
