My name is Michael Driver. I'm a Nottingham born London based Illustrator, sometimes an animator.
How did you get started in illustration, what is your background?
I've always been interested in illustration. I think I became really interested in it around my late teens, when I started to listen to a lot of alternative music. I'm not really into any of that music anymore or the illustration, that sort of went along with it, but i still feel my previous interests have sort of influenced how I make work.
Where did you study? Looking back, could you recommend your path for beginners in design/illustration?
I'm just fresh out of graduating from Kingston University where I studied for three years on the illustration course. During that period I've learnt how to animate a bit which has been super fun. I would completely recommend University to study illustration. It's important to take some time out to focus on your work and hone your craft. I think it's important to note with illustration that a university course is only ever as good as the effort you put into it.
What is a turning point in your professional career?
I'm not too sure if this is completely relevant to me yet. I've done fairly well for myself so far I recently signed with time and Karlie at MP arts. I feel like now I have representation that people will start to take me just a little bit more seriously.
What is your ideal work environment? Do you prefer to work in your studio all day long or prefer to mix a few activities?
At the moment I work from my bedroom, in the distant future I'd like to have a studio space to go and work. I'd like a studio space for a lot of reasons but mainly so I can separate illustration from my personal life and treat Illustration slightly more like a career. Plus it would be a great place to keep all my nice books and crud toys I've collected over the year.
Where are your favorite places in your city or outside?
I currently live in London which is great and very exciting. I like the constant buzz of activity that is here, despite having no money really to get as involved as I would like to. I think eventually I'll leave the city and find myself in the countryside. I really love nature and like the idea of having a dog at some point which I can walk everyday.
Who are the designers and illustrators, colleagues you admire most?
Having to pick a few illustrators or designers that I truly admire is a tough one! I really adore the work of Andres Lozano. He's one of my best buds and it's really great to see him and his partner Tatiana Boyko doing so well for themselves. They always seem to be so busy with stuff which is absolutely great. It's so amazing to see two young people already championing their craft.