We're uniquely designed to deliver outstanding results.
STUDIA is a unique collective of influential designers, writers, musicians, poets, artists, photographers, and filmmakers. We believe that creativity and design make a difference, and that exceptional design requires passion, intelligence, strong personal commitment, and hard work. Our unified purpose to amplify strategic ideas into beautiful realities has successfully touched and inspired many brands and clients of all sizes over many decades.
MICHAEL PANTUSO
Founder | Principal Creative Director | Designer
Michael Pantuso is a distinguished graphic designer and fine artist based in Chicago, renowned for his design work with clients and organizations across the US and in the UK. His artwork has been exhibited internationally, earning Michael a reputation for creativity, innovative thinking, and uniqueness of expression. As the founder of STUDIA, he leads a team of culturally impactful creatives who transform strategic ideas into compelling and enduring brand experiences.
Michael's legacy continues to grow, with his work s to be featured in the upcoming Venice Biennale in 2026. He and his team at STUDIA are dedicated to building brands, engaging in educational initiatives, and actively contributing to the worlds of design and art.
PATTI JUDD
Executive Creative Director | Producer | Designer
Patti Judd is a celebrated, award-winning creative professional with a diverse portfolio that spans strategic brand development, design, advertising, marketing, and related disciplines. She co-founded the San Diego International Film Festival and was Chief Visionary Officer for music venue Anthology. Her portfolio includes notable global clients from a wide range of industries, such as lifestyle brands, real estate, film festivals, the music industry, publishing, wineries, entertainment, health and wellness, and destination travel. Past clients include Century 21, Disney, Mattel, Deepak Chopra, Hilton Hotels, and a decade in destination marketing for the Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland. Her expertise also extends to the nonprofit sector, where she supports organizations that drive social change. As an executive producer, Patti contributed to a series picked up by Nickelodeon and a film premiered at Sundance.
Her recent projects include the writing, design and publishing of "Millhouse the Beach Life Pug," a children's book inspired by the life of a friend's family pet, Millhouse, who recently passed away (see below). The project was born out of her desire to create a memory book for her friends, which unexpectedly blossomed into a narrative capturing some of his delightful adventures.
JIM KNAPP
Executive Creative Director | Designer
Jim Knapp is the heart and soul of the design team at Studia. With decades of experience doing award-winning work with internationally recognized brands such as Jim Beam, William Wrigley, Jr., Wilson Sporting Goods, and Discover Financial Services, Jim combines engaging storytelling with aesthetic elegance, and ensures every project is both strategically grounded and effortlessly functional. Jim studied design at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and he enjoys creating art of all kinds whenever, (and wherever) possible.
KELLY KAUFMAN
Director of Public Relations | Social Media
Kelly has been mastering her craft in Public Relations and Strategic Communications for more than 25 years, spending the majority of her career in the big agency world, where she drove PR strategy and programming for a wide range of brands. Her experience spans key industries, including finance, consumer packaged goods, beverage, retail, restaurant, technology, consumer electronics, travel, fuel, and automotive. Over the years, she’s had the privilege of representing some of the world’s most admired brands.
Kelly brings extensive expertise in strategy and creative plan development, writing, media relations, social media execution, crisis communications, spokesperson training, conference and trade show management, and speaking engagements. She has spearheaded award-winning campaigns, guided clients through some of their most challenging crises, and played a key role in launching numerous household-name brands.
Throughout her career, Kelly has been driven by a passion for keeping clients ahead of the curve—staying attuned to what’s next while remaining grounded in the art of storytelling and delivering impactful, award-winning campaigns. She is equally committed to the values of teamwork and client service, believing they are essential to understanding a client’s business from the inside out. For Kelly, this deep understanding paves the way for more meaningful and effective programming.
MIKE MEYERS
Executive Creative Director | Copy
A writer by trade. A storyteller at his core, Mike Meyers is known as the Idea Guy because he's a fountain of fresh and surprising thinking. Grounded by strategic insights that appeal to the head and heart, Mike weaves words like a composer arranges notes. HIs long list of successful brands range from McDonald's to Discover Card and the Chicago Bears to Merck Pharmaceuticals.
The community-appointed mayor of Evanston Dog Beach, he also curates free comedy shows and improv classes for residents of senior living facilities. Mike is the proud father of a talented dancer/choreographer and a dedicated social worker.
RITA DAVIS
Account Director | Executive Program Manager
Rita has exceptional presentation and client relationship skills. She has initiated effective governance controls within Fortune 500 companies. Her roles include the United Nations, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, top-tier consulting firms, the Chicago Office of the Mayor, and publicly traded companies. Rita brings financial expertise, board member engagement, and adaptability. She holds Google PMP credentials and is efficient within a project life cycle. Her expertise includes working comfortably with C-suite teams and accountability for multi-million dollar implementations.
ERIC SKUBISH
Executive Director | Brand Strategy
Eric Skubish is a brand marketing leader celebrated for building iconic consumer brands for global Fortune 500 companies. Specializing in new product launches, brand turnarounds, and corporate acquisitions, he has earned a reputation for driving market share and revenue growth while reducing costs. Known for his collaborative nature, passion for excellence and affinity for the arts, Eric excels in managing relationships at all levels. He holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a BSBA from the University of Florida. Eric's career includes roles at Bobak’s Sausage, Vytalogy Wellness, Conagra Brands, Johnsonville Sausages, and more.
SCOTT MCINTOSH
Executive Director | Design and UX
Scott McIntosh is a master of visual communication—developing compelling brand experiences across corporate, agency, consumer, B2B, and non-profit sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University, a certificate from the University of Wisconsin in UI/UX, and has completed continuing education in video production at Triton College. Originally from Detroit, he now lives in Chicago. Scott has received design awards from the New York Art Directors, Financial World, Chicago Financial Advertisers, Potlatch Paper Company, and One Club. In his free time, he creates stained glass windows.
GAYLE RONAN
Financial Marketing | Strategy | Corporate Writing
Gayle brings extensive experience in Financial Marketing, Strategy, and Corporate Writing. With a talent for transforming complex financial topics into engaging and accessible content, Gayle has contributed to Aspire Magazine and delivered impactful marketing for Fortune 100 insurance firms, banking institutions, and fintech startups. Her expertise and passion will be instrumental in driving meaningful results as we embark on new initiatives.
Her expertise and passion is instrumental in driving meaningful results as we embark on new and existing initiatives. Gayle’s ability to blend strategic thinking with creative execution ensures that her work not only informs but also inspires.
ROBERT FLEISCHMAN
Musician | Artist and Creative Consultant
Robert Fleischman was born in Los Angeles, raised in Torrance California, and has enjoyed tremendous success as a vocalist, songwriter and performer during his career. Robert exploded onto the booming California music scene in the late 1970’s when he joined a San Francisco band, looking to make the transformation from rock-fusion to a more radio friendly, commercial rock sound. That band was Journey!
DOUG VOEGTLE
Executive Writer | Theatrical Composer
Doug Voegtle cut his advertising teeth at BBDO/Chicago while writing TV and radio spots for Pepsi, Wrigley Gum, Head & Shoulders, and Royal Oak Charcoal. Since 1993, Doug has guided B2B and B2C brand development and created digital content in almost every industry (e.g., Principal Financial Group, Eli Lilly, Hitachi, Radio Flyer, Ricoh/Pentax, Quaker Oats, Pfizer, Capital Brewery). Doug is a teacher and speaker on creativity and heightened communication. He has led workshops at Illinois incubators, UW-Madison School of Journalism, Loyola University Chicago, marketing industry events, and a national conference on drug abuse prevention in Dallas. In addition, Doug is an accomplished music composer for theatre.
BRETT NADAL
Photographer | Videographer | Photo Journalist
Brett is a proud Chicago-born Cuban/German American commercial photographer and director, whose career began as a photojournalist with the Associated Press. Today, he creates and captures award-winning photography and video for international Fortune 100 advertising campaigns. Brett is an enthusiastic storyteller—passionate about portraying the depth of human experiences. As a dedicated husband and father of four, he cherishes surrounding himself with people and constantly learning from their stories.
CHRISTIE McMAHON
ECD Copywriter | Partner 501C+
A creative leader with national and international brands, Christie brings unique insight and unparalleled energy to her work. As the Group Creative Director on national Blue Chip accounts including McDonald’s, Anheuser-Busch, General Mills, Kraft Foods, Rubbermaid, Disney and Sears, Christie has created award-winning work that has built both brands and sales.
Christie is a published author. She works with not for profit groups including the American College of Chest Physicians and the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Christie’s advertising awards include Clios, Addys, One Show and Cannes.
NANCY JORDAN
ECD Copywriter | Partner 501C+
Nancy started her advertising journey at the University of Missouri J-School and after graduation, took it straight to Chicago, where she joined a big agency and worked on top brands like McDonalds, General Mills, Kraft Foods, Rubbermaid, Disney, Anheuser-Busch, Sears and more.
Her favorite client? Ronald McDonald House Charities, where working didn’t seem at all like work. The one thing she brings to every client, no matter who they are, is a big idea and a strong marketing strategy.