Meet Maverick Studio's Creative Director

Hi, I’m Michelle Houlden, Creative Director, strategic thinker, and the force behind Maverick Studios. I grew up in a small town where your neighbours are your community, your customers, and your lifeline. My dad sold farm equipment and knew that getting one farmer back in the field would help feed hundreds of families at the end of the season. My mom built her skincare business by helping people feel confident in their own skin. They didn’t talk about customer service, they just lived it. That’s where I learned that strong relationships aren’t built with buzzwords. They’re built with trust, effort, and showing up when it counts.

I got my first taste of storytelling from going to Saturday matinees at our local theatre. My brother and I grew up watching old westerns. Every single hero was a maverick. Independent. Creative. A little rebellious.  And always the one people counted on to get the job done. That energy stuck with me.

Today, I bring that same spirit to every project. I’m a designer, writer, and strategist who doesn’t just make things pretty. I fix problems. I find the story. I make sure your audience feels it. With a background in journalism and years leading award-winning editorial design at The Western Producer, I package complex information in a way that drives clarity, connection, and results.

Not everyone needs a maverick. But if you do, you’ll know.

I’m not here to play it safe, and I won’t tell you what you want to hear just to land a project. I give honest advice, make smart creative calls, and push past generic solutions to get results that matter.

So if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, get clear on what your audience needs, and build something bold and brilliant that reflects who you really are, I’ve got the reins.

At Maverick Studios, you’re not getting a vendor, you’re getting a unicorn: a fierce, multi-skilled creative partner who can take your ideas and turn them into strategic gold. Whether you’re a grower group, a small business, or a non-profit, I’m here to help you punch above your weight with branding, content, and design that works.

Book a discovery call today.