Tell me about yourself, why did you choose to explore art?
The art world had always grabbed my attention even when I was little. I loved to draw at home, at school, at restaurants on little place mats with crayons, basically whenever I had the chance. As I got older, I realized that this is what I love to do.
What do you like best about being an artist?
That’s a tough question. There are a ton of great things about being an artist. If I had to say one thing it would most likely be the freedom to create. As an artist you can do whatever kind of art you like without being limited. Whereas, other professions or careers have certain boundaries. Two plus two will always equal four, but when you touch that pencil to the paper you’re able to create anything.
What are your goals for yourself as an artist?
My goal is to be an illustrator for a skateboarding company. I have been around skateboarding since I was 9 years old. When I’m unable to do it anymore I still want to be involved in the industry and what a better way to do it than through my artwork.
Do you want to pursue art as a career?
Absolutely! People say that there’s no money in the arts or that it’s not a valid career to make a living. I think those people are just upset that artists have so much fun. If you look around, almost everything was created by some type of artist. The art world has so much to offer but I feel like people are afraid to get involved in it and make a living out of it. I’m not afraid of the money. As long as I make enough to live I’ll be happy.
What do want to say in your artwork?
It depends. Sometimes I make work that is supposed to mean something, other times it’s just my thoughts and ideas coming out on the page. I don’t have a huge message I’d like the world to know, at least not yet. I just create pieces that have to do with things that are going on in my head, my life, or my surroundings at that time.
Do you incorporate reflection in your process? If so, do you use a journal or sketchbook daily?
Sometimes I’ll write in a journal/sketchbook. Most of the time I will finish something and then think about what it means to me. The journal writing and sketching usually comes before the actual piece.
What are you currently working on?
I have been doing a lot of mixed media work lately. I love water color, acrylic, markers, and colored pencils. I am trying to do two drawings a day. This way I can always go back to different ideas I had and develop them into something more.
What kind of tools and materials do you use?
Acrylic, water color, maker, colored pencils, pastels and aerosol.
What do you like about the Prismacolor Scholar product line?
The colored pencils are great. Wide variety of color to use and they’re durable. I use them in almost all of my work.
What is your favorite Prismacolor product? Why?
The colored pencils and the pastel color sticks. Both for the vibrant colors they have.
How do you incorporate Prismacolor Scholar into mixed media?
When I use water color I go over it with the colored pencils and pastels to highlight the colors and give it some texture and depth.
Do you incorporate Prismacolor into digital technology projects?
I have used markers and colored pencils to make images and then scan them into the computer and do background work with Photoshop.
Who is your favorite artist? Why?
I have two favorite artists. Pete Clodfelter and Erik Lundquist. They are both skateboarders and artists at Columbia College. I have known them for a few years now. A lot of their work is inspiration in my own. I learn about different techniques and media through them. It’s great having friends with common interests.
What in daily life inspires you?
The city of Chicago is definitely a big inspiration to me. I love how busy it is all the time. I sit outside in between classes and just watch everything around me. Before I know it I’ve got my sketch book out drawing a new idea. My friends and family also inspire my work. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Do you listen to music when you are in the creative process? Who?
I almost always have to listen to music when I’m working. It helps me get into the zone and stay there. I like to listen to artists like Andrew Bird, Pat Watson, and Vampire Weekend depending on the piece.
What do you feel when you get into a creative flow?
When I get in the zone it’s just me, my music, and my work. I feel concentrated because I’m thinking of the best way to take my thoughts and translate them into whatever I’m doing.
What is the purpose of art for you?
To have fun doing what I love.
Does critique help you grow and push the work forward?
Yes I strongly agree. There is always room for improvement and change no matter what. A good friend once told me “Mike, never think you’re good enough. Learn whenever you have a chance from whoever you meet and whatever situation you’re in. Beginners mind, always learning.” This is what I live by. The beginners mind.
What technique you like to share?
I love using permanent marker to give my work the final touches. I think it helps to enhance the whole look of the piece. The bold black lines give it definition and really bring out the best. You don’t have to use it everywhere just on the places you see fit. I do it heavy in the shadows and thin on the outline. Try it with water color. Throw something down on the page, maybe an idea or just lay the paint down however you want. Then you can go back over it and trace your image or draw a picture over your layer of color. Even the simplest picture will look that much better with the vibrant colors behind it. Then if you want to get fancy you can also go back in with colored pencils to bring out your colors in the water color.