Richard Michael

Packaging Designe

Toptal • Freiberufler

Jan 2025 - Present • 1 yr 5 mos

I specialize in designing packaging that sells on Amazon, Shopify, and retail shelves. My clients are FBA sellers, private label brands, and e-commerce entrepreneurs who need packaging that meets marketplace requirements while standing out from competitors. I design every type of e-commerce packaging: mylar pouches for supplements and snacks, mailer boxes for subscription brands, bottle labels for skincare and cosmetics, and retail cartons for electronics and home goods. Every design is built around three priorities — visual differentiation, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing feasibility. For Amazon sellers, I ensure all designs meet Amazon's image and print requirements, including barcode placement, proper resolution for listing photos, and packaging that survives the FBA fulfillment process. I provide dieline files that manufacturers can cut and fold without errors, and I specify materials, finishes, and coatings that protect products during shipping. Recent work includes a supplement pouch design system with 3 flavor variants, a mailer box for a candle brand that reduced shipping damage by 60%, and a complete skincare packaging line with bottles, jars, and outer boxes that launched successfully on Shopify and Amazon simultaneously. I deliver print-ready AI and PDF files, 3D mockups for listing previews, dieline templates with bleed and fold marks, and packaging specification sheets for manufacturers. I also create brand guidelines so clients can maintain consistency as they expand their product lines.

Motion Designer & Product Video Specialist

Behance • Freiberufler

May 2021 - Present • 5 yrs 1 mo

I create short-form product videos and motion graphics that stop the scroll and drive conversions. My clients need content for Facebook ads, Instagram Reels, TikTok, Amazon product videos, and website hero sections — and I deliver animations that perform. I specialize in 3D product animation: spinning product reveals, feature breakdowns with callouts, before and after transitions, and lifestyle scenes that show products in real world use. Every video is built for its platform — square 1:1 for Instagram feeds, vertical 9:16 for Reels and TikTok, and landscape 16:9 for Amazon listings and YouTube pre-roll. My workflow combines Blender 3D for product modeling and animation with After Effects for motion graphics, text overlays, and platform-specific formatting. I handle everything from storyboarding to final export, including music selection, sound effects, and on-brand color grading. Recent projects include a 15-second skincare serum animation that achieved a 4.2% CTR on Facebook ads (industry average: 1.5%), a 30-second consumer electronics video used in a Kickstarter campaign that raised $120K in 48 hours, and a series of 6-second Instagram Reels for a home goods brand that generated 2M+ views in the first month. I deliver MP4, MOV, and GIF files in any resolution or aspect ratio. I also provide source project files so clients or their teams can make future edits without starting from scratch.

3D Product Artist and Animation Specialist

Freelancer.com • Freiberufler

Jun 2019 - Present • 7 yrs

I create high-converting 3D product animations and photorealistic renders that help brands sell before they even manufacture. My clients are Amazon sellers, Kickstarter creators, DTC brands, and marketing agencies who need visuals that drive clicks and conversions. My process starts with understanding the product's key selling points — whether it's a unique mechanism, premium material, or ergonomic design. I then build accurate 3D models in Blender using client CAD files, reference photos, or sketches. I apply physically based materials, studio lighting, and camera angles that highlight features buyers care about most. For animations, I focus on marketing performance: smooth 360° rotations, exploded views showing internal components, feature callouts with motion graphics, and lifestyle scenes that show the product in use. Every animation is optimized for its platform — Amazon listings, Facebook/Instagram ads, TikTok, or website hero sections. Recent projects include a retro wax melt device render that helped a client launch 4 weeks early and sell out in 3 weeks, a skincare serum animation that increased ad CTR by 40%, and multiple consumer electronics renders used in B2B wholesale presentations. I deliver MP4, GIF, and MOV files in any resolution or aspect ratio needed. I also provide source 3D files (OBJ, FBX, Blend) so clients can reuse the model for future marketing.