Meet Mike Matamala | The Jedi Master of Creative Direction, Marketing Superhero

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Matamala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
My background and upbringing have shaped who I am today in countless ways. Growing up in a lively first-generation Latino home in the Bronx, I learned the value of hard work and resilience early on. My father, a dedicated blue-collar worker with a knack for dry pastel illustrations, sparked my love for art.

I started drawing as a kid, inspired by the sci-fi and fantasy worlds of comic books my older brother introduced me to. The heroic tales and intricate storytelling fascinated me, teaching me that even villains have their own stories.

High school at the High School of Art and Design in NYC was a fantastic experience. I dove into cartooning and illustration in a competitive environment that pushed me to hone my skills. This drive is something I carry with me as a creative director today.

After high school, I joined the Marines, where I learned even more about hard work, teamwork, and creativity. Later, at the Art Institute of San Diego, comic book storytelling continued to influence my work, shaping how I approach storytelling through typography, color, photography, and motion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m currently thrilled about some amazing accomplishments, both creatively and personally. I was honored to receive an award for being a creative director, and the teams I lead have won nine awards locally and internationally, including accolades from the Muse Creative Awards and the San Diego AMA Sandie Awards. It’s an exciting time, but the journey hasn’t been easy. We’ve battled imposter syndrome, overcoming it through hard work and reflection. I’m particularly excited about emerging technologies like AI, which are fantastic tools in a creative mind’s toolbox. I’m grateful to be part of a team that pushes boundaries and embraces innovation. These achievements motivate us at Enlyte to keep pushing boundaries, integrating advanced technologies, and delivering excellence in marketing and storytelling.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting during Comic-Con, we’d have an epic day immersed in the ultimate pop culture experience. We’d head straight to the convention floor to explore booths and exclusive merch. After a quick lunch from food trucks outside, we’d geek out at Artist Alley, buying a bunch of merch and being fascinated by the creator panels. We’d interact with cosplayers, participate in events, and snap a pic with a life-sized Batman statue—no Joker in sight, just pure fun! We’d also share a laugh about how Spider-Man keeps hanging around and the Ninja Turtles are always ready to shell out justice. Comic-Con’s infectious excitement and boundless creativity make it the perfect celebration of comic book and pop culture fandom.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people have played a crucial role in my journey, but I want to give a special shoutout to my mentor and good friend, Neil Brouillette. Neil was an incredible manager who taught me how to lead in a corporate setting and expanded my horizons with photography and video production. We still meet up to shoot and chat about the newest technologies. Neil allowed me to be creative and innovative, giving me room to grow. His mentorship and friendship over the years have been invaluable.

Website: https://cottonbureau.com/people/astrobrand-media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikematamala/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmatamala/

Image Credits

Marissa Carter