About MichaeLight Communications

content creation that blends
the visual andthe verbal

Liane's creative company offers graphic design, writing, editing, illustration, publication creation, promotional concepts, logos, branding, art direction, project management, site content, blog content and moderating.

Liane Sebastian
has a passion for publishing.
Wearing a marketer’s hat, editor’s coat, and designer’s shoes, Liane loves to find new outfits of opportunity.
HISTORY:
PORTFOLIO:
STORY:

2001 to present:

MichaeLight Communications
A flexible network of talented professionals can be composed and art directed by Liane for large projects. Clients served include the University of Chicago, Hyatt International Hotels, Life Services Network, and Marilyn Miglin Cosmetics.

Frederick Fell Publishers
Although Liane's book Women who Win at Work was begun in 2002, the publisher was destroyed in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma as the book was being printed. Fell recovered to publish the book in 2009.

1991 to 2001:

Allworth Press
Digital Design Business Practices is a book that Liane authored in three editions, 1991, 1995, and 2001. It has become a classic in the design industry as a comprehensive and rich guide for business branding, promotion, publishing, and marketing.

Smith, Bucklin & Associates
After Liane's partner, Michael Waitsman, died, SBA was her largest client. Needing to turn around their publishing department of 20 professionals, Liane spent six years restructuring the group to profitability. She also art directed projects for 50 key accounts.

1981 to 1995:

Synthesis Concepts, Inc.
Liane built an internationally award winning design firm with partner Michael Waitsman. Clients included the American Bar Association, the Great Books Foundation, World Book Encyclopedia, Herman Miller, the Illinois Arts Council, among others. With the death of Michael in 1995, Synthesis became MichaeLight.

ADEPT
The Association for the Development of Electronic Publishing Technique had over 700 members in the Chicago area and was instrumental in pioneering desktop publishing. Michael Waitsman was the founder, David Doty its first president, and Liane served as its second president for four years. ADEPT was purchased by the National Computer Graphics Association.

8 Concerns of Design:

CHANGE

COMMUNICATION

BALANCE

COLLABORATION

INTEGRATION

APPROPRIATENESS

AESTHETICS

EXCELLENCE

When starting out as a freelance graphic designer, an older, wiser professional put his arm around my shoulder and offered this advice: “Design careers are a roller coaster—especially for entrepreneurs.” So, armed with this enlightenment, I embarked on that rollercoaster only to find truer words were never spoken!

Guided by a loose plan, I deliberately gained experience in every facet of graphic design—from freelancer to firm owner to corporate manager to consultant to published author to speaker to art director to self publisher.

Throughout, clients stand out as the greatest teachers, collaborators, and strategists. Graphic design involves interviewing clients—stepping into their shoes, and expressing what they want to say to their markets.

My own publishing involves interviewing achievers about their strategies. My writing expresses the blend of experience, observation, and education. With the unexpected things that can happen to plans, the roller coaster I was warned about presented extremes. Surviving both a hurricane and partner’s death, my work is sustained by a love of the expressive page.

—Liane Sebastian

MichaeLight serves organizations who need compelling publications to connect with members— capturing the meaning of their groups, motivating renewals, and attracting new prospects.

With an office near Chicago, creative professional Liane Sebastian can reach the needs of both national and regional organizations.



 

COMMENTS
FROM THE PAST:

Without Liane’s contributions, we would never have attained a brand unparalleled in our industry!
—Jeffrey Cole, Editor-in-Chief, Litigation Magazine, The American Bar Association (now a federal judge)

Liane saved us money in publications by building both individuality and consistency between our three divisions, while still reflecting the total organization. She captured the attention of our constituents.”
—Carl Petrick, Executive Director, Illinois Arts Council (since moved to CA)

As a design team, Liane and Michael designed and managed 16 children’s books for our Junior Great Books series and leadership materials. Fresh, vibrant, enthusiastic, these designs have helped us exceed our growth projections!”
—Richard P. Dennis, President, The Great Books Foundation, (now unfortunately deceased)


Quick Links: HomeMichaeLight Communications Prosperia PublishingWays of Wisdom Bookstore
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© 2009Created by Liane Sebastian • 1413 Leonard • Evanston IL 60201 • 847-570-0050