Michael (Mike) Tavarez is a DGA director and creative director at Scholar, based in Los Angeles. His work spans live action, animation and visual effects, combining a strong eye for design with a playful approach to storytelling.
With more than 15 years in advertising and filmmaking, Mike has created work for brands including Google, Amazon, Nike, Okta and Kohler. His background as a designer and animator gives him a hands-on understanding of how ideas come to life, from early sketches through the final edit.
Mike enjoys bringing people with different talents together around an idea. He approaches each project with curiosity, clear communication and a willingness to explore, finding the visual language and performances that give each story its own personality.
Selected Awards
2025 · Collision Awards · Gold
Mercury — Spring Brand Campaign 2024
Campaign: Banking & Financial Services · Co-director / Creative Director
2025 · Collision Awards · Silver
Georgia Aquarium — Where Wonder Lives
Craft: Typography · Co-director / Creative Director
2025 · GDUSA Digital Design Awards · Winner
Georgia Aquarium — Where Wonder Lives campaign video
Animation, Video & Motion · Co-director / Creative Director
Entered by Doe-Anderson
2016 · ADC Awards · Bronze Cube
#SportsAlphabet
Motion Graphics · 2D Animation
Press & Articles
2022 · Motionographer
Don’t Box Yourself In: Four Reasons why Creative Exploration is Good for Your Career
Essay by Mike Tavarez
2019 · Little Black Book
Post-it Wants You to ‘Think Loud’ with Colourful Animated Shorts
Campaign feature
2018 · Little Black Book
Q&A with Mike Tavarez
Interview