Meet Maverick Studio's Creative Director
My origins story
Hi. I'm Michelle Houlden, owner and Creative Director at Maverick Studios.
Growing up in Shaunavon, a small town in southwestern Saskatchewan, I learned the power of connection. In a small town, your family, neighbours and local businesses don’t just support you. They shape you. My dad sold John Deere equipment, putting in long hours because he knew that getting a farmer back in the field meant putting food on the table for everyone. My mom, a skincare consultant, used her skills to make others feel their best. Their dedication to service and to our community left a lasting impression on me.
Every Saturday, my brother and I would spend the afternoon at the local movie theatre, giving our mom a well-earned break. We saw a LOT of old westerns. The hero was always a maverick — someone who challenged the status quo, found unexpected solutions, and brought people together to win the day. He never did it alone, though. The townsfolk always pitched in. And, of course, there was always a great horse.
That same independent, problem-solving spirit is what drives Maverick Studios.
As a writer, designer, and strategist, I offer a unique blend of skills to help businesses communicate better and connect with their customers. In my previous career, I was often called a unicorn — someone who could do it all — which is why Maverick Studios’ mascot is a fierce, talented unicorn.
After years at The Western Producer helping farmers make better business decisions through effective visual information packaging, I launched Maverick Studios to serve agricultural grower groups and local businesses. I provide branding, marketing, content creation, and design solutions tailored to their unique challenges.
At Maverick Studios, I don’t just design—I help you build stronger relationships with your audience. I’ll be in your corner, crafting creative, strategic solutions that get results. Let’s talk about how we can work together.
I'm here to help.
Here's what I bring to the table:
- 30+ years of design, writing/editing, branding and marketing experience
- 60+ international and national awards for design, packaging, information graphics, typography, new product design, poster design and more
- Clients ranging from small business to large non-profits
- Deep smalltown prairie roots, a fundamental love for agriculture and small businesses, and strong connections to my city, my neighbourhood and my province.
- Two amazing kids, a hubby of 30+ years who can fix anything, and three cute dogs.