HOT was founded by Michael Salu, an independent creative scholar, writer, director and artist, who brings wide-ranging creative and critical expertise and experience across disciplines.

As a designer and creative director, Salu has won awards from the likes of D&AD and Communication Arts.

As a writer of fiction, essay and criticism, Salu has published widely in literary and art publications and spoken on a variety of topics at places like 5x15.

As a creative and digital strategist, Salu has helped build a variety of brands and organisations across the cultural sector and has provided consultancy and strategy to media & culture businesses.

As an editor, he has helped platform a variety of critical ideas within art and literature.

As an interdisciplinary artist, he has developed a research-based practice driven by narrative.

For Salu, HOT serves as the perfect conduit to meet new clients; initiate and collaborate on original, thought-provoking projects; and create, publish and tell stories across digital mediums, physical spaces and film.